Palace assures swift action on kidnapping cases

Malacañang assured the public recently that the government is taking the alleged spate of kidnappings, including the abduction and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver, very seriously, and vowed to address the matter with utmost priority.

During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro shared that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take all necessary actions to address rising concerns from the business community.

“Patuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga po dito. Hindi po ito tutulugan ng gobyerno (The investigation is ongoing. The government will not sleep on this issue),” Castro said.

This statement follows reports from the Filipino-Chinese business community, which has reported at least 12 kidnapping incidents this year.

Castro emphasized the Marcos administration’s commitment to halting such crimes, reassuring the public that peace and order will remain a top priority.

“Ang lahat po ng nagaganap dito ay pinagbilin po ng Pangulo na dapat imbestigahang mabuti para po ma-lessen o ma-eradicate ang mga ganitong klaseng krimen dito sa Pilipinas (The President has ordered that everything should be thoroughly investigated so that these types of crimes can be lessened or eradicated in the Philippines),” she added.

Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal, as reported by the Philippine National Police. They were last seen on March 29 leaving their Valenzuela City office, which is involved in the steel business.

Que’s family reported him missing the following day, noting that he and his driver had failed to return home and missed their scheduled appointments.

Authorities said the family had requested a discreet investigation and privacy.