PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo announced Saturday the arrest of three individuals in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Filipino-Chinese steel businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo.
Two suspects, identified as Richardo Austria David (also known as Richard Tan Garcia) and Raymart Catequista, were apprehended in Roxas, Palawan on Friday evening, April 18. A third suspect, David Tan Liao (also known as Xiao Chang Jiang, Yang, Jianmin, Michael Agad Yung), surrendered to authorities on Saturday afternoon, April 19.
Que and Pabillo were last seen leaving their Valenzuela City office around 2:00 p.m. on March 29. Their bodies were discovered in Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal on April 9 at approximately 6:00 a.m. Police reports indicate the victims were strangled, hogtied, and placed in nylon bags.
The arrests follow a swift investigation by the PNP. While details of the investigation remain limited, the apprehension of the suspects represents a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families.
The high-profile nature of the case has prompted reaction from Filipino-Chinese civic leader Teresita Ang-See of the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO). Ang-See called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to review the conduct of law enforcement officers in light of the incident. The PNP has not yet responded to this call. The investigation is ongoing.
