Palace: No need to tap military vs kidnappings

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang does not see the need to involve the military in the government’s anti-kidnapping operations, echoing the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s statement that the situation is under control and that recent incidents are isolated.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel has suggested the deployment of the military’s intelligence service and other units to assist the PNP in countering kidnapping groups, particularly when their acts threaten public safety or national security.

He pointed out that under the 1987 Constitution, President Marcos has the power to use military intelligence in support of the police, especially in cases involving grave threats like kidnap groups that may have ties with transnational crime.

However, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro believess there is no need to tap military intelligence at this point.

“Others are spreading the claim that there is a widespread kidnapping spree in the country. That is not true. That is huge fake news,” the Palace press officer said.

Castro quoted PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, who had said that the recent kidnapping incidents were “isolated, calculated acts rooted in personal and financial vendettas.”

“The situation is firmly under control, our law enforcement strategies are effective, criminal networks are being taken down. So let us see what will be the action and the strategy of the PNP, whether they really need to tap military intelligence,” she added.

Some groups have expressed concern over the supposed “resurgence” of kidnappings in the Philippines, including the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, which labeled the recent incidents as a “direct blow” to the country’s economic future.

VACC president Arsenio Evangelista told ABS-CBN News in a recent interview that there would be capital flight among businessmen if peace and order is down.

Anti-kidnap, anti-fake news committees

To combat kidnapping and fake news, the PNP formed two committees as part of its commitment to public safety and information integrity.

Under Marbil’s directive, the police launched the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) and the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC).

“These committees are not just organizational measures – they are proactive responses to modern-day threats,” Marbil said. ?“From kidnap-for-hire syndicates to digital disinformation campaigns, the PNP is moving decisively to protect our people,” he added.

JAKAC will be headed by Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, deputy chief for investigation, and will focus on detecting and dismantling organized kidnapping groups.

The committee was formed following the resolution of the kidnapping and killing of businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo. ?Authorities have linked the incident to a kidnap-for-hire group allegedly led by Chinese national David Tan Liao.

Three suspects, including Liao, have been arrested in connection with the case, while two others remain at large.

Marbil commended Okubo and the Special Investigation Task Group for their swift action on the Que-Pabillo case.

JAFNAC, which will be led by Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, deputy chief for operations, will work to counter disinformation and misinformation, especially those spreading online.

The PNP recently debunked unverified social media posts alleging the kidnapping of prominent businessmen, calling the claims baseless.

“Fake news is not harmless – it can incite fear, panic and even unrest…we will not allow deception to dictate the public narrative,” Marbil said.

Marbil said the initiatives are part of the PNP’s efforts to ensure transparency, accountability and public trust.

Meanwhile, former interior secretary Benhur Abalos lauded the PNP for its handling of the Que-Pabillo case, citing the significance of the arrests in establishing linkages to five other similar kidnap-for-ransom cases.

POGO ties?

The PNP suspects that the house in Meycauayan, Bulacan where Que and Pabillo were reportedly tortured and killed may have served as a scam operations hub linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).

In a press briefing at Camp Crame yesterday, PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said investigators found clues indicating that the property may have been used for POGO-related schemes.

Among the items found inside were computers, information and communications technology equipment and even a Chinese flag.

The house was identified as the last known location of Que and Pabillo, before their bodies were discovered in Rodriguez, Rizal on April 9.

Autopsy results revealed that both victims died of asphyxia due to manual strangulation.

Fajardo confirmed that suspects Raymart Catequista and Richardo Austria David killed the victims at the Meycauayan property before dumping the bodies.

Surveillance footage showed a Ford Everest sport utility vehicle, allegedly used to transport the bodies, leaving the site on April 8 and passing through multiple checkpoints before reaching the dumping area.

According to Fajardo, Chinese national Liao may have been acting on orders from a still-unidentified mastermind.

“This is not a typical kidnap-for-ransom case. Our investigation shows that the objective was to kill Anson Que from the start,” Fajardo said.

“As early as January, there were indications of a planned operation,” she explained.

Fajardo said two Chinese nationals, including one believed to have acted as bait, are also being treated as suspects, possibly as principals or accomplices.

However, the identity of the mastermind behind the killings remains under wraps, as investigators build an airtight case.

A supplemental complaint against the mastermind may be filed within the week once documentation is completed.

The PNP also confirmed that Liao had a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) valid for 10 years, despite facing multiple criminal complaints.

Fajardo said Liao had used different names to obtain the LTOPF and register his weapons, prompting a deeper investigation into how he acquired the licenses.

At least five other kidnapping incidents dating back to November 2022 are now being revisited by the newly formed Special Investigation Task Group, which is tracing connections to Liao’s group.

The PNP is coordinating with Que’s family, who have committed to pursuing charges.

The police said Que’s family had received a ransom demand for $20 million through the victim’s WeChat account shortly after he failed to return home on March 29.

Proof-of-life videos were sent up to April 8, the day authorities believe Que and Pabillo were killed.

“We are tracking the money trail and recovering physical evidence like license plates used in previous kidnapping cases,” Fajardo said. –  Mark Ernest Villeza, Bella Cariaso