The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an intensive investigation into the deaths of a prominent Chinese-Filipino businessman and his driver whose bodies were found by the side of a road in Sitio Udiongan, Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal, last Wednesday at 6 a.m.
The bodies of Anson Que, owner of Elison Steel, and his driver, Armanie Panlilio, were discovered by a concerned citizen who alerted authorities. The bodies were bound with nylon rope, their faces covered with duct tape, and placed inside large garbage bags.
Upon receiving the report, Barangay Macabud officials promptly informed the Rodriguez Municipal Police Station (MPS).
Interior and Local Goverment Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday said responding officers began an immediate investigation at the scene.
The victims were last seen on 29 March when they left Que’s office in Valenzuela City. Their vehicle, a black Lexus van, was found in Barangay Bahay Toro in Quezon City on Wednesday.
PNP Chief P/General Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the activation of a Special Investigation Task Group spearheaded by P/Lt. General Edgar Alan O. Okubo, chief of the Directorial Staff, under the supervision of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director, P/Maj. General Nicolas Torre III.
“We are fully committed to delivering justice to the victims and their families. We have mobilized our best resources to ensure a thorough investigation and to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this act. The Philippine National Police will work tirelessly with all units concerned to ensure that those behind this crime will face the full extent of the law,” Marbil said.
The PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group and the CIDG have held a joint case conference and confirmed a link between this case and a previous kidnapping case. Backtracking operations are underway, which include retrieving CCTV footage from establishments in the areas where the bodies and the van were found.
“The investigation is ongoing, and the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available,” said P/Col. Randulf Tuano, acting PNP spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said a task force will be created to look deeper into the killing.
The Department of Justice chief said they called a meeting the Philippine-Chinese Chamber for the different groups within the Philippine-Chinese community and he brought along with him two of the most important people for law enforcement.
Reports have it that the case of Anson que was not a random abduction but it was allegedly a calculated act of retribution, the brutal culmination of a failed $20-million offshore gaming deal.
“Now, are we going to talk about what happened? I think it’s a police matter right now. We are undergoing all the evidence gathering and we will give a few words to General Marbil and to Judge Santiago before we proceed to the next item.”
On the other hand, Marbil said the case is a different kind of kidnapping, and it is not just kidnapping.
Marbil said once the case is filed that was the time they will talk what really transpired during the classes of negotiation and the kidnapping incident.
Santiago for his part said kidnapping cases is the primary jurisdiction of the PNP because they have a anti-kidnapping group.
Remulla said the president has given the very strict order to all three of them to be on top of the situation and to solve the problem.