Fil-Chinese groups alarmed, on high alert; Special task force formed
The Philippine National Police is looking into the possibility of the involvement of POGO-related individuals in the abduction and murder of Filipino-Chinese steel magnate, Congyuan Guo, also known as Anson Que or Anton Tan, and his driver.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the case was quite unusual even as the police has yet to confirm whether the reported ransom of at least P100 million was paid.
“We are not just concentrating on the usual kidnapping scenario where an individual is abducted and if they are able to give and pay the ransom, they will be released,” she said.
“This time around — although we are still confirming whether or not ransom money was given — still if the ransom money is confirmed to be given, the victim and his driver were still killed,” Fajardo added.
The bodies of Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, were recovered at Sitio Udiongan, Barangay Macabud in Rodriguez, Rizal Wednesday morning.
“The two bodies were placed in a nylon bag, tied with nylon rope, and their faces were wrapped with duct tape,” Police Regional Office 4A public information office chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Chitadel Gaoiran said.
The victims were only wearing underwear and their heads were covered in blood, the police said.
Que and his driver were last seen alive on March 29 around 2 p.m. when they left Valenzuela City for a meeting.
They were reported missing on March 30 after failing to go home and show up for their appointments.
“As for the POGO issue, that’s one of the angles we’re looking at, that is part of the angle we are investigating and the possible involvement of a group behind this incident and possible previous incidents that were involved in the POGO operation,” Fajardo said.
“We will strengthen our intel-driven efforts to identify the possible groups behind this incident because we are looking into the possibility of the involvement of a group in this incident. We need the cooperation of the Filipino-Chinese community if they have any knowledge or leads,” she added.
In a separate statement, the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO), founded by Teresita Ang See, strongly condemned the “brutal” killings of Que and Pabillo.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Que and Pabillo families at this very difficult time and fervently hope that the perpetrators will soon be caught and brought to justice,” the MRPO said.
“We are one with the public in calling law enforcement authorities to step up, take urgent action, and put a stop to these senseless acts of violence,” the group added.
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) also demanded “swift, unrelenting, and transparent action” to bring the perpetrators and conspirators to justice.
“Let the wheels of justice turn—not slowly, but with ferocious speed,” FFCCCII said.
Former FFCCCII head Cecilio Pedro added: “This case has put the Filipino-Chinese community on high alert.”
“We urge the relevant government agencies to resolve this brutal case swiftly. Whether the kidnapping victim is from a large or small business, it is a serious concern for our community,” he added.
On Tuesday, when Que and his driver were still considered missing, Pedro raised concern over 12 kidnapping cases that have been reported since January, including what he said was an ongoing one.
Out of the 12 cases, at least 10 were Filipino-Chinese, Pedro said, citing data of the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group.
The PNP has already formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to look the kidnapping and murder case.
Fajardo said the task group will be led by PNP Directorial Staff chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
In response to the incident, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil relieved PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group Director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay from his post.
“He (Marbil) is holding all commanders accountable. In the case of General Ragay, if you are not competent to deliver what is expected from you, then you would be relieved from your position,” Fajardo said.
Ragay was replaced by Col. David Poklay, former Chief Directorial Staff of the CIDG.
Malacañang, for its part, condemned the abduction and killing of the Filipino-Chinese businessman and his driver and assured the public that a full investigation is underway.
“This is not something the government will turn a blind eye to… The President has instructed authorities to pursue these cases with urgency to reduce — if not eradicate — these kinds of crimes in the country,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing.