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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marbil: Anson Que case a contract-based kidnap-for-ransom

Marbil: Anson Que case a contract-based kidnap-for-ransom

Published Apr 20, 2025 08:17 am

que kidnap.jpg

The kidnap-slay of businessman Anson Que was not a random act of kidnap-for-ransom but a calculated kidnap-for-hire operation, the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Sunday, April 20.

Two people were arrested and their boss, identified as Chinese David Tan Liao, surrendered in the intensified efforts to solve the kidnap-slay of Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo, both were kidnapped on March 29 and their bodies were recovered in Rizal on April 9.

Citing results of the investigation, Marbil said Tan Liao hired a local group to kidnap Que, with police investigators saying that part of the intention from the very start was to kill him.

“These were not random acts but deliberate, contract-based crimes targeting individuals embroiled in disputes over unpaid debts, betrayals, or internal conflicts,” said Marbil.

“In effect, Liao’s criminal scheme operated like a rogue collection agency—except they collected through blood,” he added.

Marbil earlier created a task group headed by Police Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, the chief directorial staff of the PNP, to expedite the investigation and identification of the perpetrators.

Suspects Raymart Catequista and Richard Tan Garcia were arrested in Roxas, Palawan on April 18 while Tan Liao surrendered. The latter allegedly yielded after receiving threats from the people who tasked him to do the kidnap-slay.

Police earlier said they are still looking for two Chinese suspects.

Marbil said the PNP’s swift case buildup, pursuit operations, and intelligence coordination were key to dismantling Liao’s network and solving five other major kidnap-for-hire cases linked to the same group.

“With six major cases now resolved, our focus is on the financiers—the real power behind these blood-for-hire operations,” said Marbil.

Meanwhile, he emphasized that there is no widespread or random kidnapping spree in the country.

“These are isolated, calculated acts rooted in personal and financial vendettas. The situation is firmly under control. Our law enforcement strategies are effective. Criminal networks are being taken down,” said Marbil.

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