PNP autopsy shows Que, driver died of ‘asphyxia by manual strangulation’

Barangay official points the spot where the bodies of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que (also known as Anton Tan) and his driver were found placed inside nylon bags on April 9, 2025 Wednesday morning on a roadside in Sitio Odiongan, Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal. Inquirer Photo/Lyn Rillon.

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-Chinese steel businessman Anson Que and driver Armanie Pabillo died due to “asphyxia by manual strangulation,” according to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, citing an autopsy report.

Fajardo likewise said the two Filipino suspects — Richardo Austria David, also known as Richard Tan Garcia; and Raymart Catequista — admitted that they strangled the victims based on their statement.

“Autopsy results showed that the two victims died due to asphyxia by manual strangulation,” the PNP official, speaking in Filipino, disclosed in a press conference on Monday.

“This means that they were strangled using an orange rope. The two Filipino suspects admitted this in statement upon the directive of Mr. David Tan Liao,” she added.

Earlier, PNP revealed that Liao, a Chinese national, is also known by his aliases Xiao Chang Jiang, Yang, Jianmin, and Michael Agad Yung.

Reports revealed that Que, also known as Anson Tan, and Pabillo were last seen alive after leaving their office in Valenzuela City at around 2 p.m. last March 29.

Based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, Fajardo said Que and Pabillo arrived at 345 Martha Street in Villacor Village along Barangay Langka in Meycauayan, Bulacan, on the same afternoon. They were restrained and held by the suspects at a house in the area.

Last April 10, the PNP confirmed that Que and his driver were found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal.