AKLAN — Two Chinese nationals suspected to be involved in the kidnapping and brutal killing of Chinese-Filipino businessman Anson Que, also known as Anson Tan, were arrested on Friday, May 17, during a joint law enforcement operation in a high-end resort in Station 2, Boracay Island.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the arrest on Monday, May 19, through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which led the operation alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Security Council (NSC).
The suspects were identified as Gong Wei Li, also known by the alias “Kelly,” and Wu Ja Ping.
According to CIDG, Gong acted as the ransom negotiator during Que’s abduction and allegedly facilitated the deposit of over ₱200 million in ransom money via electronic wallet.
Authorities seized four mobile phones from the suspects, which are now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation to determine whether they contain key information related to the crime.
Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, were last seen alive on March 29 when they left Valenzuela City for a business meeting. They were reported missing the following day, March 30.
On April 9, both men were found dead in Rizal province. Their remains showed signs of torture, with Que’s body burned beyond recognition. DNA testing was required to confirm their identities.
The two arrested suspects are now undergoing debriefing with the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) before they are endorsed to the Bureau of Immigration for inquest proceedings as undesirable aliens.
Friday’s arrest follows the earlier capture of three other suspects: Ricardo Austria David, Raymart Catequista, and David Tan Liao, who are now in the custody of the PNP-AKG.
Liao, believed to be one of the masterminds, previously issued an extrajudicial confession in which he implicated Que’s own son, Alvin Que, as being allegedly involved in planning the crime. Alvin has denied the allegations.
The PNP formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG Anson Que) to handle the high-profile case, which has shocked the business community and the public due to its complexity, brutality, and the suspected betrayal within Que’s own family.
Authorities continue to dig deeper into the motive behind the murder, which is believed to be rooted in personal and business-related disputes.
“We are making significant progress,” said Police Lieutenant General Edgar Okubo, head of the SITG. “Our goal is to bring all those involved to justice, no matter how powerful or well-connected they may be.”/PN
