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Advocates Philippines
Malacanang Vows Action On Kidnappings: 'Hindi Ito Tutulugan Ng Gobyerno'
Photo credit: PCO
Malacañang made it clear on Thursday—it’s not turning a blind eye to the recent wave of kidnappings that’s got the Filipino-Chinese business community on edge.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that the Marcos administration is taking the issue very seriously, especially following the shocking abduction and killing of businessman Anson Que (also known as Anson Tan) and his driver, Armanie Pabillo.
“Patuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga. Hindi po ito tutulugan ng gobyerno,” Castro said firmly. Translation? The investigation is in full swing, and the government isn’t sleeping on it.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly ordered authorities to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and taking action. The message from the top is clear: get to the bottom of this and stop these crimes before they get worse.
This reassurance comes after at least 12 kidnapping cases have already been reported this year, sparking serious concern from the business sector.
“The President has ordered that everything should be thoroughly investigated so that these types of crimes can be lessened or even eradicated,” Castro added.
Que and Pabillo were found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal, days after going missing on March 29. They were last seen leaving their office in Valenzuela City, and their absence prompted Que’s family to reach out to authorities the next day. The family had reportedly requested a quiet investigation and privacy during the search.
To fast-track the case, a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has now been formed. According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the task force is being led by Lt. Gen. Edgardo Okubo, with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III taking point.
Initial findings revealed signs of strangulation and other physical injuries on the victims’ bodies. Investigators are now combing through CCTV footage, tracing the pair’s last known movements from Valenzuela.
One of Que’s vehicles, a Lexus, was discovered abandoned in Quezon City on April 8. Witnesses said two hooded individuals were seen leaving it.
As for suspects? Fajardo was tight-lipped but hinted that they’re looking into a criminal group possibly involving both Filipinos and Chinese nationals who might be connected to earlier kidnapping cases.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil relieved Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay from his post. He was replaced by Col. David Poklay. This isn’t just about Que’s case either—Ragay had faced scrutiny before, especially over how his team handled the rescue of a 14-year-old Chinese student in Parañaque.
“The leadership expects results. If a commander can’t deliver, changes will be made,” said Fajardo.
Bottom line: the government’s watching closely, changes are already happening, and justice for Anson Que and Armanie Pabillo is now a top priority.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that the Marcos administration is taking the issue very seriously, especially following the shocking abduction and killing of businessman Anson Que (also known as Anson Tan) and his driver, Armanie Pabillo.
“Patuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga. Hindi po ito tutulugan ng gobyerno,” Castro said firmly. Translation? The investigation is in full swing, and the government isn’t sleeping on it.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly ordered authorities to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and taking action. The message from the top is clear: get to the bottom of this and stop these crimes before they get worse.
This reassurance comes after at least 12 kidnapping cases have already been reported this year, sparking serious concern from the business sector.
“The President has ordered that everything should be thoroughly investigated so that these types of crimes can be lessened or even eradicated,” Castro added.
Que and Pabillo were found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal, days after going missing on March 29. They were last seen leaving their office in Valenzuela City, and their absence prompted Que’s family to reach out to authorities the next day. The family had reportedly requested a quiet investigation and privacy during the search.
To fast-track the case, a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has now been formed. According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the task force is being led by Lt. Gen. Edgardo Okubo, with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III taking point.
Initial findings revealed signs of strangulation and other physical injuries on the victims’ bodies. Investigators are now combing through CCTV footage, tracing the pair’s last known movements from Valenzuela.
One of Que’s vehicles, a Lexus, was discovered abandoned in Quezon City on April 8. Witnesses said two hooded individuals were seen leaving it.
As for suspects? Fajardo was tight-lipped but hinted that they’re looking into a criminal group possibly involving both Filipinos and Chinese nationals who might be connected to earlier kidnapping cases.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil relieved Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay from his post. He was replaced by Col. David Poklay. This isn’t just about Que’s case either—Ragay had faced scrutiny before, especially over how his team handled the rescue of a 14-year-old Chinese student in Parañaque.
“The leadership expects results. If a commander can’t deliver, changes will be made,” said Fajardo.
Bottom line: the government’s watching closely, changes are already happening, and justice for Anson Que and Armanie Pabillo is now a top priority.
Apr 10, 2025
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