MANILA — In response to mounting pressure and national outrage, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo.

Que, owner of Elison Steel, was reported missing on March 30 after he failed to return from a scheduled meeting. According to authorities, he was abducted on March 29 while dining at a seafood restaurant in Pasay City. His car was found abandoned in Quezon City, with witnesses reporting two individuals in hoodies fleeing the scene.

The victim’s family paid P100 million in ransom, but despite this, both Que and Pabillo, were murdered. Their bodies were found in Rodriguez, Rizal yesterday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro affirmed that President Marcos has specifically directed authorities to investigate the case comprehensively and intensify efforts to curb similar crimes.

“Patuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga po dito. Hindi po ito tutulugan ng gobyerno. Ang lahat po na nagaganap dito ay pinagbilin po ng Pangulo na dapat imbestigahang mabuti para po ma-lessen o ma-eradicate ang mga ganitong klaseng krimen dito sa Pilipinas,” Castro said.

In response to this high-profile case, a Special Investigation Task Group has been created to oversee the probe.

“We are pursuing some leads. As to what extent yung leads na ito, nandoon tayo sa direksyon na tinitignan na yung mga involved dito ay possibly involved sa ilang kidnapping incidents,” Col. Fajardo said.

According to Fajardo, PNP Chief of Directorial Staff Lt. Gen. Edgardo Okubo is leading the special investigation task group assigned to the case, while the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), headed by Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, will serve as the lead unit in the probe.

Meanwhile, the PNP has reassigned several officers as part of a broader crackdown on the rising tide of kidnappings and crimes linked to POGO operations. Police Gen. Elmer Ragay, former director of the Anti-Kidnapping Group, was relieved from his post due to dissatisfaction with his performance and replaced by Police Col. David Poklay.

The POGO Connection?

While Que’s business was in the steel industry, PNP investigators are focusing on the possibility that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which have been under fire for their association with criminal activities, may have a hand in this heinous act. The kidnapping of a high-profile businessman could be the latest in a string of violent crimes linked to these illegal operations.

“Isa po ‘yon sa tinitingnan po nating anggulo and possible involvement po ng isang grupo behind this incident and previous incidents na involved po sa POGO-related operation po,” said Col. Fajardo.

📷 Contributed photo