Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the swift resolution of the kidnapping and murder of businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo was a landmark breakthrough.

“Case solved. Justice served. This was not a random act of kidnap-for-ransom, but a calculated kidnap-for-hire operation,” Marbil said.

He revealed that the individual behind the operation will be identified and formally charged within the week.

Investigations revealed that the crime was orchestrated by Chinese national David Tan Liao who is now under the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) after surrendering.

His Filipino cohorts, Raymart Catequista and Richard Tan Garcia were arrested in Roxas, Palawan on April 18.

Unlike traditional kidnap-for-ransom syndicates, David Tan Liao personally directed a rogue kidnap-for-hire operation, the PNP statement said.

“In effect, Liao’s criminal scheme operated like a rogue collection agency?except they collected through blood,” Marbil remarked.

He emphasized that the PNP’s swift case buildup, pursuit operations, and intelligence coordination were keys to dismantling Liao’s network and solving five other major kidnap-for-hire cases linked to the same group.

“With six major cases now resolved, our focus is on the financiers?the real power behind these blood-for-hire operations,” he said.

Marbil said there is no widespread or random kidnapping spree in the country.

“These are isolated, calculated acts rooted in personal and financial vendettas. The situation is firmly under control. Our law enforcement strategies are effective. Criminal networks are being taken down,” he stressed. DMS