President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez commended President Marcos following the arrest of the suspects in the brutal killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Tan, alias Anson Que; and his driver.

In a statement Sunday, April 20, Romualdez thanked President Marcos for his unwavering support to the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly in tracking down and apprehending the suspects.

“The commitment to quickly resolve this case is a testament to President Marcos’ strong leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe. It shows that under this administration, no criminal will be beyond the reach of justice,” the Speaker said.

The suspects—identified as Ricardo Austria David, Raymart Catequista, and David Tan Liao—are now in the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

“This case proves that our law enforcement institutions, when fully supported, are capable of solving even the most complex crimes without resorting to violence or extrajudicial means,” Romualdez, the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives, said.

“We commend the PNP, led by General [Rommel] Marbil, for showing that the rule of law works when we are united in purpose and committed to due process,” Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP), added.

Liao, a Chinese national, reportedly surrendered and admitted his involvement in the crime. The other two were arrested in Palawan in a police operation last Friday.

Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, reportedly went missing on March 29 after leaving the office in Valenzuela City.

A ransom demand of $20 million was sent to his family via WeChat the following day.

Their bodies were later found in Rodriguez, Rizal, with forensic evidence confirming their identities.

The PNP formed a special investigation task group that coordinated efforts across various units—including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Anti-Cybercrime Group—using CCTV footage, cyber monitoring, and forensic evidence to identify the suspects.

Authorities are now investigating a possible link to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), as well as other potential motives beyond kidnapping for ransom.

Que's family subsequently released a statement wherein it denied any links between POGO and the slain businessman.

Romualdez said the arrests—achieved through coordination, intelligence work, and technology—showed the effectiveness of modern policing and inter-agency cooperation. “This is the kind of law enforcement we need—decisive, coordinated, and most importantly, humane."

He reaffirmed the commitment of the House to supporting legislation that enhances law enforcement capabilities, improves inter-agency coordination, and strengthens the criminal justice system.

“Our responsibility is to make sure our laws and institutions work to protect every Filipino. We will continue to support efforts that ensure justice is served swiftly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law,” Romualdez stressed.