Chinese-Filipino tycoon’s killing sparks fears of organised crime surge in the Philippines

The ‘brutal’ murders of businessman Anson Que and his driver have reignited urgent calls for authorities to crack down on crime syndicates

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Anson Que – CEO-owner of Elison Steel and also known as Cong Yuan Guo and Anton Que – was abducted together with his driver Armanie Pabillo in the afternoon of March 29 in Bulacan province. Photo: Handout

Published: 10:15pm, 10 Apr 2025Updated: 9:06am, 11 Apr 2025

The killing of a prominent ethnic Chinese businessman and his driver – whose bodies were found bound and stuffed in rice sacks by the roadside east of Manila – has reignited fears over a surge in violent kidnappings in the Philippines and the growing threat of organised crime networks.

Anson Que, 51, CEO of Elison Steel and a well-known figure in the Chinese-Filipino community, was abducted on March 29 along with his driver, Armanie Pabillo, in Bulacan province. Their bodies were found on Wednesday in neighbouring Rizal province, bound with nylon rope and wrapped in duct tape, showing clear signs of assault.

“There were signs of bruises and some body injuries and signs of strangulation,” said Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP), who confirmed Que’s identity on Thursday.

Fajardo said the PNP had removed the acting director of its Anti-Kidnapping Group, Colonel Elmer Ragay, amid mounting criticism over a lack of progress in curbing such crimes.

Police investigating the area where the bodies of Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were discovered. Photo: Handout

Authorities are investigating a possible link to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), which were officially banned at the start of this year due to their association with criminal activities but are believed to continue operating underground through illicit networks.

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Chinese-Filipino tycoon’s killing sparks fears of organised crime surge in the Philippines

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The ‘brutal’ murders of businessman Anson Que and his driver have reignited urgent calls for authorities to crack down on crime syndicates

The ‘brutal’ murders of businessman Anson Que and his driver have reignited urgent calls for authorities to crack down on crime syndicates