A JOINT Task Group composed of investigators from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its law enforcement arms: the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration are working to solve the gruesome abduction and murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver, the Journal Group learned.

PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said they have partnered with the DOJ-NBI-BI to crack the case and make the necessary arrests with the certainty of conviction of all guilty in the case.

Marbil, during a meeting with DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, also assured the public of their commitment to conduct a thorough investigation into the gruesome crime.

The meeting formalized the creation of a Joint Task Group composed of investigators from the PNP, the DOJ-NBI and the BI to solve the abduction-slay case.

The PNP chief has also expressed that the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group headed by Colonel David Poklay will be able to solve the case the soonest.

Gen. Marbil and Director Santiago expressed confidence that this collaboration—strengthened by the support of the Filipino-Chinese community whose leaders the PNP chief met early morning Friday—will lead to more efficient coordination and effective results.

DOJ chief Remulla said the BI has joined the probe which also focuses on the background of the victim and ‘persons of interest’ in the case.

“We need people who exemplify the values we hold dear.

The Task Group is meant to offer higher visibility of leadership—someone the people can talk to when there’s a problem,” said Sec. Remulla.

The DOJ chief also highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to the DOJ, PNP, and NBI to stay on top of the situation.

Usec. Sanarez, who represented DILG Sec. Juanito Victor C. Remulla, expressed the DILG’s full support for the joint efforts and underscored the vital role of unified action in combating crimes that endanger public safety and erode national trust.

Representatives from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) were also in attendance and conveyed their full trust in the authorities handling the case.

Que’s black Lexus LM350 was abandoned by two men wearing hoodies along the Seminary Road in Brgy. Bahay Toro, Project 6, Quezon City last April 8.

Members of the PNP Highway Patrol Group Special Operations Division-Task Force Limbas found the vehicle following a tip from residents who became suspicious of the presence of the abandoned vehicle, said PNP-HPG director Brigadier Gen. Eleazar P. Matta.

The vehicle which was being used by Que and his driver was discovered to have been abandoned by the suspect around 4:00 p.m. of March 29. The suspects remained unidentified as of press time.

Brig. Gen. Matta said his men immediately secured the vehicle and coordinated with the QC Police District EOD/K9 Unit and SOCO Team for technical inspection.

The PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group took over the scene, being the lead investigating unit.

The PNP-HPG director said the Lexus LM350 was previously reported as missing in connection with a kidnap-for-ransom case filed with law enforcement.

The case was reported to the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Section by a close relative of the victim last March 31 prompting the issuance of radio and voice alarms nationwide for the recovery of the missing vehicle.

Gen. Marbil has met with top officials of the FFCCCII at Camp Crame where he allayed their security concerns amid the reported recent kidnapping cases in Metro Manila.

The high-level meeting with the FFCCCII officials led by their president Victor Lim saw Gen. Marbil assuring the Filipino-Chinese community of the all-out effort of the PNP Special Investigation Task Group to solve the Que case.

The meeting addressed the growing concerns within the Filipino-Chinese community regarding their safety and security, following the alarming cases that have raised worries not only within the business sector but also across the general public.

Lim told the PNP chief they have confidence in him and his men that they will be able to solve the case in the right time.

“We have confidence in your leadership. We are confident you will solve this problem,” said the FFCCCII president.

Other members of the association said the government in general and the PNP in particular must be able to address the perception of the public regarding the spate of unsolved kidnappings.

“We understand the urgency and gravity of these cases. The Philippine National Police is fully committed to resolving them swiftly and restoring confidence in public safety,” the top cop emphasized.

As part of this commitment, the PNP and FFCCCII have agreed to establish a collaborative program focused on proactive measures to detect potential threats, including enhancing coordination with local police units, strengthening surveillance efforts in key business hubs, and providing safety briefings to member companies and communities.

“We are deeply concerned, and we will not rest until these cases are solved,” Gen. Marbil added.

The PNP also moved to allay concerns over perceived lawlessness and its impact on the Philippines’ international image, particularly among foreign investors and visitors.

The dialogue between the PNP and FFCCCII signifies a united front in the pursuit of public safety and justice and the continuation of close coordination between law enforcement and the business sector, said PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Randulf Tuaño.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon