The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closing in on the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping and murder of businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, whose bodies were discovered in Rodriguez, Rizal, on 10 April.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Sunday said the individual behind the plot will be identified and formally charged within the week. He credited the swift resolution of the case to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).

Three suspects are now in custody. Richardo Garcia, also known as Richard Austria David, and Raymart Catequista were arrested in Roxas, Palawan, on 18 April. A third suspect, Chinese national David Tan Liao, surrendered later that day.

Liao, also known by aliases “Xiao Chang Jiang,” “Yang,” “Jianmin” and “Michael Agad Yung,” allegedly orchestrated Que’s abduction, reportedly under orders from another Chinese national who remained at large.

The unidentified alleged mastermind was present when the victims were held at a house in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

“This was not a random kidnapping,” Marbil said. “It was a planned, contractual execution. Liao’s operation worked like a shadowy collection agency — but paid in blood.”

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said Que’s killing was plotted as early as January. “Based on our investigation, the intention really is to kill,” she said.

According to Fajardo, Garcia and Catequista were the ones who carried out the killing, acting under Liao’s orders. Liao later confessed to his role in the operation.

Marbil said the group was not part of a traditional kidnap-for-ransom syndicate but a rogue, transactional criminal enterprise that targeted individuals entangled in unpaid debts, betrayals, or internal disputes.

Earlier, Que’s family denied his alleged links to the banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs.

Paid for in blood

“Liao personally directed a rogue kidnap-for-hire operation. These were not random acts but deliberate, contract-based crimes,” he said. “In effect, Liao’s scheme operated like a criminal collection agency — except they collected through blood.”

The PNP chief said the case also led to the resolution of five other major kidnap-for-hire cases linked to the same network. The investigation now shifts toward identifying the financiers behind the operations.

“With six major cases now resolved, our focus is on the financiers — the real power behind these blood-for-hire operations,” Marbil said.

He also sought to reassure the public amid viral social media posts about an alleged kidnapping spree.

“These reports are completely untrue and have no factual basis,” he said, warning against the spread of “malicious disinformation.”

“There is no widespread or random kidnapping spree in the country. These are isolated, calculated acts rooted in personal and financial vendettas. The situation is firmly under control. Our law enforcement strategies are effective,” he added.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) commended the PNP for the arrests and for conducting immediate dialogues with community leaders following the incident.

“While the arrests mark progress, the FFCCCII urges authorities to pursue the remaining suspects, including the purported masterminds and accomplices, with equal rigor,” said FFCCCII President Victor Lim.

“We also stress the necessity of a thorough investigation to uncover the full scope of this case and ensure accountability,” he added.