But police cautious; PAOCTF, Fil-Chinese group doubt claim

The son of slain Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que is considered a “respondent” in the kidnap-murder case after he was implicated by one of the suspects, the Philippine National Police said even as it admitted there was no evidence to support the claim.

The Filipino-Chinese group Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order led by Teresita Ang See, however, said the “word of a notorious criminal” should not be accepted by the PNP as “the sole source.”

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the suspect, David Tan Liao, made the claim implicating Que’s 42-year-old son, Alvin (Ronxian Gou) in a statement following Liao’s voluntary surrender on April 19.

“Apart from his assertion, he (Liao) did not present any evidence. In his statements, he mentioned meeting with the son and even the physical meeting and the calls, but he could not present any evidence,” Fajardo said.

“We cannot discount the possibility that David Tan Liao is misleading the investigation to cover for someone… The PNP is being cautious in accepting hook, line and sinker these allegations by David Tan Liao because we want to make sure that these are backed by other pieces of evidence,” she added.

Alvin reportedly paid the initial P10 million ransom to a cryptocurrency account on March 31, and an additional P3 million to the same account on April 2.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, however, was skeptical of Liao’s claim.

PAOCC chief Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz noted some suspects would offer to become witnesses in hopes of avoiding indictment.

“Especially if they are foreigners, as many fear deportation to countries like China. In such cases, they may opt to apply as witnesses. We are open to considering these applications, but there will still be a vetting process to assess their credibility and study it carefully,” Cruz said in an interview with TV Patrol.

The MRPO also lamented the statements of the PNP.

“Why did Alvin Que become a person of interest only on the word [of] Liao, a known kidnapper and gun-for-hire responsible for the deaths of more than a dozen kidnap victims? Anson Que has three grandchildren grieving over the death of their grandfather. Now, they have to contend with such still uninvestigated news about their own father?” the civic group said.

“If there are contradictory preliminary findings and the money trail has not been followed, then the investigation is not finished. Why release the statement about Alvin Que’s involvement then? Again, this just cements the fact that the PNP has failed to do their case build-up before releasing information.”

The MRPO noted the younger Que submitted himself and his mobile phone to the special investigation task group assigned to the case.

“The preliminary investigation revealed no derogatory information. Yes, the result is preliminary, but it already counters and does not support the initial statement made by Liao,” the group added.

Fajardo explained Que’s son was only considered a “respondent” in the case.

“It is prudent on the part of the investigators and the AKG (Anti-Kidnapping Group) to include his name as one of the respondents. They will be given the opportunity to submit controverting evidence,” Fajardo said.

She said Alvin Que was the “focal person” in the negotiations with the kidnappers.

As this developed, Fajardo said the PNP is offering a P5 million bounty for information that will lead to the arrest of a Chinese woman, identified as Kelly Tan Lim, who was linked to the case.

“We’ve put up a P5 million reward for any information that would lead to the possible location and whereabouts of Kelly,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo said two suspects remained at large — Wenli Gong,who is also known as Kelly Tan Lim, Bao Wenli, Axin, Huang Yanling; and Jonin Lim.

“This (Kelly) is the woman used as bait to lure the victims into going to the house,” Fajardo said.

The PNP said the two victims, Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, arranged to meet with Kelly Tan Lim at a house in a village in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

“We believe, based on the evidence presented to us and the evidence we have, Kelly plays a very important role in Anson Que’s case,” Fajardo said.

“Based on the extrajudicial confession of the two Filipino cohorts, accordingly, the one holding the phone negotiating with the family was Kelly,” she added.

As for Lin’s alleged role in the case, Fajardo said he was also present at the Bulacan house where Que and Pabillo were supposedly kept.

As this developed, the Chinese Embassy in Manila, in partnership with the Filipino-Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation and the Overseas Chinese Service Center, held an Anti-Kidnapping Awareness Forum yesterday at the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) building.

Speaking on behalf of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, a representative from the embassy expressed deep concern over the recent kidnap-for-ransom incidents that have caused alarm in the community.

Wang Yue, Counselor and Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, also underscored the long-standing partnership between Beijing and Manila, with China being the country’s top trading partner for nine consecutive years.

Victor Lim, President of FFCCCII, said the forum aims to empower the community with knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to kidnapping threats.

“With the insights shared by the speakers, interactions, and discussions, we hope participants leave more informed and more prepared,” he said.