Three suspects arrested in the Philippines for alleged kidnapping and killing

The Philippine police have arrested three suspects in the alleged kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo possibly in late March.

On April 18, the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two Filipino suspects -- Richardo Austria David and Raymart Cataquista. The third accused, David Tan Liao, a man of Chinese origin, surrendered to authorities on April 19. They are now under the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

The two victims died from strangulation, according to autopsy report.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said in an April 21 media briefing that police is investigating whether the crime was connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators since the group is a kidnap-for-hire, according to a report filed by the Philippine News Agency.

Fajardo said David and Cataquista admitted that they strangled the two victims, acting on Tan's orders.

The Philippine government has likewise assured that there's no kidnapping spree in the country. In a briefing held on April 21, Clarissa Castro, undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office, labeled as "fake news" the unverified reports that there's a widespread kidnapping spree in the country.

She also dismissed calls for Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to tap the military intelligence to curb the alleged increase in kidnapping cases.

"There are people who claim that there is a widespread kidnapping spree in the country. That's not true, that's fake news," Castro said.

Quoting the statement issued by PNP chief Rommel Marbil, she told the Philippine media that Que's kidnapping is an "isolated, calculated act rooted in personal and financial vendettas. The situation is firmly under control, our law enforcement strategies are effective, criminal networks are being taken down."

The PNP said that three suspects are facing charges of kidnapping for ransom with homicide following an inquest proceedings conducted by the Department of Justice.