Manila: A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been formed to fast-track the investigation into the death of a Chinese entrepreneur and his driver whose remains were discovered in Rizal province on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press conference, PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon police chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo announced that the task force would investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing of Congyuan Guo, also known as Anson Tan/Anson Que, and his driver Armanie Pabillo. The task group is headed by PNP Chief of Directorial Staff Lt. Gen. Edgardo Okubo, with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led by Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the lead unit in the probe.
Fajardo mentioned that there were signs of bruises and body injuries on the victims, as well as indications of strangulation. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil led a case conference to devise the best strategy to solve the crime. Police are reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the time the victims left their office in Valenzuela City on March 29.
The initial investigation revealed that the family of the businessman began contacting friends and relatives on March 30 when he and his driver did not return home, eventually reporting the incident to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group. A vehicle belonging to the victim, a Lexus, was recovered along Seminary Road, Barangay Bahay Toro, Project 6, Quezon City, on Tuesday. It was reportedly abandoned by two individuals in hoodies.
Fajardo declined to provide further details about the possible motive and perpetrators but mentioned that they are looking into a criminal group involved in previous kidnapping cases, potentially composed of both Filipinos and Chinese nationals.
In related developments, Fajardo confirmed that Marbil ordered the relief of AKG director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay, citing accountability issues. Ragay was replaced by Col. David Poklay effective April 9. Ragay had previously been relieved over alleged irregularities in the recovery of an abducted 14-year-old Chinese student in Para±aque City last February.
