3 suspects in Anson Que slay in PNP custody

Three suspects in the killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que (also known as Anson Tan) and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, are now under the custody of the Philippine National Police, officials confirmed on Saturday.

PNP Spokesperson and Police Regional Office III Director Brigadier General Jean Fajardo identified the suspects as Ricardo Austria David, Raymart Catequista, and David Tan Liao. All three are under the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).

During a press conference, Fajardo said the suspects underwent inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice and were being charged with two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide.

One of the suspects, David Tan Liao—also known by the aliases Xiaoxiang Yang, Yang Jianmin, and Michael Abadyung—was identified as a Chinese national. Authorities reported that Liao voluntarily surrendered to the AKG and admitted his involvement in the crime.

“Later on, during the discussion, we will show to you, he was seen doon po sa pinagdalhan po ng mga biktima, diyan po sa may 345 Martha Street, Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan, where the victims were viewed na pumunta po doon at doon na rin po sila pinatay,” Fajardo added.

(Later on, we will show you that he was seen at the location where the victims were taken—345 Martha Street, Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan. That’s also where they were killed.)

Que and Pabillo were last seen on March 29, 2025, leaving Que’s office in Valenzuela City. The following day, Que’s family received a ransom demand of $20 million via WeChat.

The family immediately filed a report with the AKG. Despite efforts to negotiate, the bodies of Que and Pabillo were discovered on April 9 along a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal. Forensic tests later confirmed their identities.

PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group, which coordinated with multiple units, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Anti-Cybercrime Group, and regional police offices.

“We discovered that this crime had been planned months in advance, starting as early as January this year,” the PNP spokesperson shared.

The suspects were identified through surveillance footage, cyber monitoring, and intelligence reports. David and Catequista were arrested in Palawan around 3 a.m. on April 18, while Liao surrendered later that day.

A major break in the case came from CCTV footage and the recovery of a Lexus van abandoned in Quezon City. Liao was seen on video purchasing wet wipes and a plastic bag from a convenience store—items believed to have been used to clean up evidence.

“Ito po, bumili po siya ng, pumasok po siya sa isang convenience store, kumuha po ng wet wipes at isang plastic po na ginamit po niya para tanggalin po yung kanyang mga prints,” Fajardo explained.

(He went into a convenience store, bought wet wipes and a plastic bag, and used them to try and wipe off his prints.)

On April 16, authorities executed a search warrant at 345 Martha Street, where they recovered evidence, including DNA matching that of Pabillo. Investigators believe the victims were killed at that location.

The PNP also confirmed that two other Chinese "principals" were involved in the crime and remained at large.

“They were also present during the time the victims were held inside the house. These two were with David Tan Liao himself. So aside from the two Filipino suspects, there were a total of five individuals present when the victims were detained,” said Fajardo.

The PNP also stated that they are investigating the possibility that the crime was connected to POGO.

“May tinitignan po kaming anggulo na possible po na POGO related po ito. but maliban pa po doon ay meron pa po kami isa pang anggulo na we have a very solid lead na tinitignan na hindi lang kidnapping for ransom ang pakay ng grupo na ito noong kuhanin po nila si Ginoong Anson Tan," Fajardo said.  

(We are currently looking into an angle that this case might be POGO-related. But aside from that, we have another strong lead suggesting that the motive of the group in abducting Mr. Anson Tan may not have been solely for kidnapping for ransom.)

"But we will provide you more updates but the family requested na wag na muna pong sabihin kung saang direksyon pupunta po itong ating investigation.”

(We will provide you with more updates, but the family requested that we not yet disclose which direction our investigation is heading.)

In a statement, Que's family thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the PNP for their efforts to apprehend the suspects.

''Your tireless efforts made a real difference in the early arrest of the malefactors, and we are grateful for your perseverance. We highly appreciate your bravery and courage in keeping our community safe,'' the statement said. — DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News