CHINESE businessman Anson Que’s son was behind his kidnapping and slaying, the PNP said yesterday.
“This is precisely the reason why he was impleaded as one of the respondents in the case that was filed,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told a press briefing at Camp Crame yesterday.
Fajardo was referring to Que’s son, Ronxian Gou or Alvin Que, 42, who supposedly ordered the kidnapping of his father last March 29 and his subsequent killing. The businessman’s driver was also killed.
The Chinese orchestrator of the kidnap-slay, David Tan Liao, surrendered to the police last April 18 and admitted his role in the kidnap-slay. His two Filipino cohorts were arrested earlier that day in Palawan.
“We are still gathering some information that would corroborate his (Liao) statement that the victim’s own son ordered the kidnapping and killing of his father,” said Fajardo, adding the PNP is not taking the statement of Liao hook, line and sinker.
“We have to make it clear that we’re not believing all the statements of David Tan Liao, the prime suspect. The reason why we impleaded (the son) as one of the respondents is because of the assertion of David Tan Liao in his extra-judicial confession he made after he surrendered,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said Liao claimed he had a meeting with Que’s son but failed to provide evidence to prove the latter was indeed involved in the kidnapping.
“That’s why the PNP-AKG (Anti-Kidnapping Group), particularly the SITG (Special Investigation Group), is being cautious in accepting hook, line and sinker the revelation, the allegation of David Tan Liao,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said Que’s son is cooperating in the ongoing investigation and has submitted himself to the AKG for a probe.
“He voluntarily submitted his cellphone to undergo forensic examination with the objective of clearing his name,” said Fajardo.
As to the motive of the son, Fajardo said this is still the subject of investigation.
“We cannot accept hook, line and sinker the statements, the allegations of David Tan Liao, because for all we know, he’s just saying this to exculpate himself,” said Fajardo.
“We have to be cautious, we have to be careful and very thorough in investigating this case because there is a possibility also that David Tan Liao, just to escape criminal liability, will be pointing to other persons,” added Fajardo.
Fajardo also announced a P5 million reward for information that would lead to the arrest of another Chinese suspect, Wenlie Gong, who carries the aliases Kelly Tan Lim, Bao Wenli, Axin and Huang.
Fajardo said the reward was offered by a “concerned citizen” who wants the immediate resolution of the case.
Que and his driver were last seen alive on March 29 after leaving the businessman’s office in Valenzuela City. Their bodies were later found in Rodriguez, Rizal last April 9.
Police said the suspects demanded $20 million (P1.33 billion) in ransom, though the Que family ended up paying P200 million in cryptocurrency sent in multiple tranches. Despite the payment, the suspects still killed the victims.
Police said Gong served as a bait to lure Que. Police went to the house of Gong in Bulacan where the businessman and his driver were abducted.
Fajardo said Gong was involved in several other kidnapping cases with Liao.
One of these cases, Fajardo said, involved the kidnapping of a female Chinese in Pampanga in 2022. Gong was arrested for that case in 2024 but was later released after posting a bail of P300,000.
Fajardo said two other Chinese recently arrested in Boracay for violation of immigration laws are the subject of investigation for possible involvement in the case.
She said the two are connected with the “main suspect, referring to Liao.
“They will be given the opportunity to submit their counter affidavits to disprove or offer evidence in their favor,” Fajardo said.
