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Mayen Jaymalin - The Philippine Star
April 24, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ largest labor group yesterday joined the business community in calling for an improved peace and order situation nationwide following the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
Pabillo’s murder is a “direct assault” on the working class, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said.
“The brutal killing of Armanie Pabillo – a driver, worker, father and breadwinner – is a horrifying reminder that no one is safe, whether rich or poor, employer or worker,” the group said.
“Only through speedy, competent airtight investigation and prosecution of those behind this heinous act can we reclaim the rule of law and restore peace and order in our country,” it added.
Business groups earlier demanded swift justice for Que and reinforcement of the rule of law, while stressing that the safety of every citizen is non-negotiable.
President Marcos’ recent negative approval rating can be attributed to people feeling unsafe and unprotected, the TUCP noted.
“We need prosecutions. We need convictions. Those can only be done by a fully modernized, professional and proactive police force that is visible and vigilant at all times,” the group said.
Que and Pabillo were found dead on April 9 in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Three suspects – a Chinese and two Filipinos – are in police custody. Two Chinese nationals believed to be principal suspects remain at large.
Licensed despite past crimes
One of the suspects, David Tan Liao, had obtained a license to own and possess firearms despite his dubious background, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said.
Tan Liao owns a license with a 10-year validity, which is in the process of being revoked by the PNP.
“The PNP chief has ordered an investigation, as well as the cancelation and revocation of Tan Liao’s license and firearm registration,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said.
Tan Liao reportedly obtained a firearms license using other names.
Seven handguns, including a 9mm pistol, were owned by Tan Liao, based on records from the Firearms and Explosives Office.
Apart from Que and Pabillo’s killing, Tan Liao was linked to five other cases of heinous crimes, such as kidnapping, murder and rape.
The suspect posted bail in one of these cases, Fajardo said.
Meanwhile, photographs are circulating on social media showing Tan Liao in the company of politicians and other high-profile personalities. — Emmanuel Tupas
