The killing of a prominent ethnic Chinese businessman and his driver – whose bodies were found bound and stuffed in rice sacks by the roadside east of Manila – has reignited fears over a surge in violent kidnappings in the Philippines and the growing threat of organised crime networks.
Anson Que, 51, CEO of Elison Steel and a well-known figure in the Chinese-Filipino community, was abducted on March 29 along with his driver, Armanie Pabillo, in Bulacan province. Their bodies were found on Wednesday in neighbouring Rizal province, bound with nylon rope and wrapped in duct tape, showing clear signs of assault.
“There were signs of bruises and some body injuries and signs of strangulation,” said Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP), who confirmed Que’s identity on Thursday.
Fajardo said the PNP had removed the acting director of its Anti-Kidnapping Group, Colonel Elmer Ragay, amid mounting criticism over a lack of progress in curbing such crimes.
Authorities are investigating a possible link to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), which were officially banned at the start of this year due to their association with criminal activities but are believed to continue operating underground through illicit networks.
