No concrete evidence linking Anson Que's son to kidnap-slay—PNP
The Philippine National Police refuted a news report identifying steel magnate Anson Que's son, Rongxian Gou also known as Alvin Que, as the mastermind in his kidnap-slay, stating there's no concrete evidence yet, despite a suspect's affidavit.
Chinese national David Tan Liao, the alleged kidnapping mastermind, claimed in his statements that he had met with Alvin. However, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a news briefing on Wednesday that Liao failed to provide evidence like cell phone logs implicating the younger Que in the murders of his father and Armanie Pabillo, the businessman's driver.
“We have to make it clear, hindi natin pinaniniwalaan lahat ng statements ni David Tan Liao,” she said.
“We want to make sure this is backed up by other pieces of evidence," Fajardo noted.
Fajardo stated that Alvin, one of six individuals recommended by the Anti-Kidnapping Group for preliminary investigation, is considered only a respondent, not the mastermind.
Alvin is also cooperating with the investigation and has submitted his cell phone to the authorities for forensic examination.
Meanwhile, anti-crime watchdog Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order blamed the PNP and news outfits for the public release of Liao's affidavit and reporting them without verifying the suspect's claims.
“Why is the word of a notorious criminal the sole source of your evidence?” the MRPO said in a statement.
“We expect better from veteran journalists than to be the mouthpiece of law enforcers who failed and continue to fail to do their work. Does media no longer have journalistic rules to confirm veracity and accuracy?” they added.
Fajardo clarified that PNP did not release the affidavit. She emphasized that the special investigation task group is cautious and that the suspect’s revelations should be backed by other pieces of evidence.
According to her, the preliminary investigation gives Alvin and the other respondents a chance to present their own evidence.
P5 million bounty
In the same briefing, Fajardo named two more prime suspects: Gong Wenli alias Kelly Tan Lim and another Chinese national, Jonin Lin. Based on closed-circuit television footage, they were found inside the house in Meycauayan, Bulacan where Que and his driver were held captive.
Fajardo said Gong used Que's cell phone to negotiate with the victim's family.
“It appears we are dealing with a highly organized syndicate engaged in a series of kidnappings,” Fajardo said, who shared that Gong was involved in seven other kidnapping cases.
A P5 million bounty was put up for any information that would lead to Gong's arrest, as well as Bao Wenli, Axin, and Huang Yanling, the woman who lured Que into the house.
Two Chinese nationals under custody
Gong's alleged parents were apprehended on Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, on April 25th.
Separately, two Chinese nationals in Bureau of Immigration custody are being investigated. They are among five casino junket operators who handled the P200 million ransom paid by Que's family in installments. This money was converted into cryptocurrency after passing through the junket operators.
The PNP has requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council's assistance in tracing the final destination of the ransom money.
Que, owner of Elison Steel in Valenzuela, and his driver Pabillo were kidnapped in Bulacan last March 29. According to The Philippine STAR, residents told police that two men wearing hoodies left his Lexus LM350 multi-purpose vehicle at around 4 p.m.
His death was confirmed on Thursday, April 10.
Three suspects in the kidnapping and killing—Liao, Richardo Austria David, and Raymart Catequista—are in police custody. (with reports from Emmanuel Tupas)
