SINCE MY YOUTH, I thought that kidnap for ransom operations were just a creative plot of comics magazine writers and graphic artists. Only lately, as a journalist did I realize that these groups exist and operate not just in foreign shores but right in our country.
This is also causing jitters to the business community after steel magnate Anson Que (aka Anson Tan) and his driver Armanie Pabillo were last seen on March 29 after leaving Que’s office in Valenzuela City. The next day, the family received a ransom demand of $20 million (or P160 million, which was paid by the family) via WeChat prompting the immediate filing of a report with the PNP-Anti Kidnapping Group.
As soon as reports and photos of the kidnap-killings came out, three big and influential business groups published strongly-worded statements that denounced the government’s apparent helplessness in containing such organized crime and bringing to justice those involved in such heinous activities.
CALCULATED CRIME
But on Easter Sunday, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil announced the swift resolution of the kidnapping and murder of Que and Pabillo calling it a landmark breakthrough that underscores effectiveness of PNP in solving such heinous crimes. “This was not a random act of KFR but a calculated KFR operation.” Those involved will be identified and formally charged this week, he added.
Investigation showed the crime was orchestrated by Chinese national David Tan Liao (aka “Xiao Chang Jiang,” “Yang,” “Jianmin,” and “Michael Agad Yung,”) now under police custody, after he voluntarily surrendered.
Filipino cohorts were identified as Raymart Catequista and Richard Tan Garcia (aka Ricardo Austria David), who were arrested in Roxas, Palawan on April 18.
Liao personally directed a rogue kidnap-for-hire operation—a shadowy and transactional criminal enterprise where he contracted local henchmen to carry out abductions and executions of individuals embroiled in disputes over unpaid debts, betrayals, or internal conflicts. “In effect, Liao’s criminal scheme operated like a rogue collection agency—except they collected through blood,” Marbil said.
CASE BUILDUP
With the PNP’s swift case buildup, pursuit and intelligence coordination, Liao’s network led to solving five other major kidnap-for-hire cases linked to the same group. Now the PNP is focusing on the financiers —the real power behind these blood-for-hire operations,” he added.
Marbil assuaged the jitters in the business sector of a widespread or random kidnapping spree in the country saying “these are isolated, calculated acts rooted in personal and financial vendettas. Criminal networks are being taken down.”
Comebacking senator and ex-PNP chief Panfilo M. Lacson reminded the PNP that the next step now is to ensure the conviction of the perpetrators.
With the arrest of at least three of the five suspects, it is important now to convict all perpetrators by building an airtight case, he posted on X (formerly Twitter). Lacson earlier said the only way to mollify the Fil-Chi community and the public is to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Liao was said to be scared that he may also be killed. The PNP is now tracking down at least two more Chinese linked to the kidnap-slay of Que and Pabillo.
Liao was said to be moving in the same business or social circles as Que. As Arsenio Evangelista dubbed “the enemy within. Beware of friends deadlier than enemies.” Liao operated a travel agency and managed a collection firm catering to clients from mainland China, Bilyonaryo.com reported.
EMPTY PLATITUDES
Business groups like the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., and the Philippine Exporters Confederation earlier denounced the government’s “empty platitudes and bureaucratic inertia” and demanded that justice be served without delay.
“No more excuses. No more talking in circles. We need swift and relentless justice, not more waiting around. We’re watching our country unravel. Investors are losing confidence, tourism is taking a hit, and every Filipino is left wondering if they’ll be next.”
“It’s time for the government to prove it can do more than just talk. We want action—real, visible, and immediate action.”