The Philippine National Police (PNP) said three suspects in killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que or Anson Tan) and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, were arrested.

PNP Spokesperson and Police Regional Office III Director Brigadier General Jean Fajardo identified the suspects as Ricardo Austria David, Raymart Catequista, and David Tan Liao. All three were arrested by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).

Fajardo said the suspects underwent inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ) and were being charged with two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide.

One of the suspects, David Tan Liao—also known by the aliases Xiaoxiang Yang, Yang Jianmin, and Michael Abadyung—was identified as a Chinese national. Authorities reported that Liao voluntarily surrendered to the AKG and admitted his involvement in the crime.

“Later on, during the discussion, we will show to you, he was seen doon po sa pinagdalhan po ng mga biktima, diyan po sa may 345 Martha Street, Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan, where the victims were viewed na pumunta po doon at doon na rin po sila pinatay,” Fajardo added.

Que and Pabillo were last seen on March 29, 2025, leaving Que’s office in Valenzuela City. The following day, Que’s family received a ransom demand of $20 million via WeChat.

The family immediately filed a report with the AKG. Despite efforts to negotiate, the bodies of Que and Pabillo were discovered on April 9 along a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal. Forensic tests later confirmed their identities.

The PNP created a Special Investigation Task Group, which coordinated with multiple units, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Anti-Cybercrime Group, and regional police offices.

The suspects were identified through surveillance footage, cyber monitoring, and intelligence reports. David and Catequista were arrested in Palawan around 3 a.m. on April 18, while Liao surrendered later that day.

A major break in the case came from CCTV footage and the recovery of a Lexus van abandoned in Quezon City. Liao was seen on video purchasing wet wipes and a plastic bag from a convenience store—items believed to have been used to clean up evidence.

On April 16, authorities executed a search warrant at 345 Martha Street, where they recovered evidence, including DNA matching that of Pabillo. Investigators believe the victims were killed at that location.

The PNP also confirmed that two other Chinese “principals” were involved in the crime and remained at large.

“They were also present during the time the victims were held inside the house. These two were with David Tan Liao himself. So aside from the two Filipino suspects, there were a total of five individuals present when the victims were detained,” said Fajardo.