The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Saturday the arrest of three individuals, including a Chinese national, in connection with the latest killing tied to the growing number of kidnapping and murder cases involving Chinese and Filipino-Chinese businessmen in the country.
Just weeks after Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que, also known as Congyuan Guo or Anson Tan, was found dead alongside his driver Armanie Pabillo in Rizal on April 9, PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo revealed that Chinese national David Tan Liao, Richardo Austria David, also known as Richard Tan Garcia, and Raymart Catequista are
now in custody.
The arrests were made by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG). The suspects are allegedly connected to a syndicate that targets Chinese nationals with unpaid debts linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations. POGO activities were officially banned in the Philippines in December 2024.
Authorities said the same group may be behind other high-profile kidnapping cases in Muntinlupa (November 2022 and December 2024), Parañaque (February 2024), and Pasay (August 2024).
According to PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Que and Pabillo were last seen on March 29 after having lunch at Que’s office in Valenzuela. A ransom demand of $20 million (approximately PHP 1.14 billion) was sent via the messaging app WeChat. The victims’ families paid PHP 200 million in cryptocurrency, transferred in multiple tranches, but they were not released.
The two were held in Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan. Despite attempted negotiations, their bodies were later found in Rodriguez, Rizal. Forensic tests confirmed their identities and revealed signs of bruising and strangulation, indicating that the victims suffered physical abuse before they were executed. Investigators believe the kidnapping and killings were planned as early as January 2025. Emerging leads now suggest ransom may not have been the primary motive behind Que’s abduction and murder.
Brig. Gen. Fajardo explained that suspects David and Catequista were arrested in Roxas,Palawan on April 18, while Liao surrendered to authorities on April 19. All three have undergone inquest proceedings and are facing two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide.
Gen. Marbil reassured the public that the PNP is actively working to track down the remaining suspects and ensure justice is served in the case of Anson Que.
