Suspects Apprehended in kidnap-Slay of Steel Tycoon and Driver
MANILA — May 9, 2024 — Authorities in the Philippines have taken three suspects into custody following the kidnapping and murder of steel magnate Anson Que and his driver. The suspects, including a Chinese national, are facing serious charges related to the kidnap-for-ransom case, and one of the suspects has confessed to his involvement. The examination is ongoing.
Suspects Apprehended in kidnap-Slay of Steel Tycoon and Driver
Philippine authorities have taken into custody three individuals implicated in the kidnapping and murder of Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que,also known as Congyuan Guo or Anson Tan,owner of Elison Steel in Valenzuela City,and his driver,Armanie Pabillo.the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the arrests,marking a notable development in the case that has gripped the nation.
The Suspects
- David Tan Liao: A Chinese national wiht aliases Xiao Chang Jiang/Yang, Jiangmin, and Michael Agad Yung.
- Richardo Austria David: Also known as Richard Tan Garcia, Liao’s driver.
- Raymart Catequista: Alias “Taba.”
Arrests and Surrender
David and Catequista were apprehended in Roxas, Palawan, on Good Friday. Liao surrendered to the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) on Black Saturday and confessed to his participation
in the kidnap-for-ransom case, according to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.
Formal Charges Filed
brig. Gen. Fajardo stated that the suspects are now facing serious charges. The three named suspects who are under the custody of AKG underwent inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ) after they were charged for two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide,
she said.
Did you know? Kidnapping for ransom is a non-bailable offense in the Philippines when homicide is involved, reflecting the severity of the crime.
A Premeditated crime
The PNP investigation reveals that Que’s killing was meticulously planned months in advance, possibly starting as early as January. Based on our investigation, the intention really is to kill,
Fajardo noted, indicating a sinister motive beyond mere financial gain.
Timeline of Events
- March 29: que and Pabillo were last seen leaving Que’s office in a black Lexus.
- march 30: Que’s family received a ransom demand of $20 million via WeChat.The family promptly reported the kidnapping to the PNP-AKG.
- April 8: The victims were killed.
- April 9: The bodies of Que and Pabillo were discovered along a road in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Ransom Demands and Cryptocurrency
The initial ransom demand of $20 million escalated to 200 million in cryptocurrency
, delivered in multiple transactions. Despite the payments, Que and Pabillo were murdered.
Pro Tip: Cryptocurrency transactions, while often perceived as anonymous, can be traced by law enforcement agencies with the right tools and expertise.
The Lure and the Apartment
Investigators believe the suspects used a female Chinese contact to lure Que to an apartment unit in Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan, on march 28, tho the meeting occurred on March 29. Fajardo confirmed that Liao was the one renting the apartment unit where Que and Pabillo were restrained, held hostage, and eventually killed.
POGO Links and Othre Motives
The PNP is exploring potential links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). He is only the operator behind this case. He was used by the masterminds of this crime to kidnap Mr. [Que],
Fajardo said, referring to Liao. The investigation is also considering other motives, though details are being withheld at the family’s request.We are still following the money trail, where the ransom money went,
she added.
Evidence and Key Roles
Video footage shows David purchasing wet wipes and a plastic bag, allegedly used to wipe fingerprints from que’s vehicle before abandoning it. Catequista served as the caretaker of the rented apartment. A search warrant executed on April 16 at the apartment yielded critical evidence, including DNA matching Pabillo.Investigators recovered critical evidence including a DNA specimen that matched the DNA profile of one of the victims, which is Armanie Pabillo,
Fajardo shared.
Our investigation is solid, thorough, and based on credible evidence. Every lead, every piece of evidence, and every step taken has been backed by facts and the law.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP Spokesperson
Potential Breakthrough in Other Cases
Liao’s surrender could lead to the resolution of five additional kidnap-for-ransom cases. Two vehicles owned by Liao were reportedly used in these crimes, which occurred between November 2022 and February 2025. The cases took place in Muntinlupa,Parañaque City (Solaire Resort and Casino),and Pasay City. All of these kidnapping cases have connections to POGO operations,
Fajardo stated.
Liao’s Criminal History
The PNP revealed that liao was previously arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for a kidnapping case in Angeles, Pampanga, in 2009. This was the reason why he decided to use different aliases,
Fajardo explained.
