DOJ files charges against suspect in Anson Que kidnap-slay case

A composite image shows an earlier announcement of a P10-million reward for those who would provide credible information to police leading to the arrest of Wenli Gong alias Kelly Tan Lim, one of the alleged masterminds in the killing of Chinese-Filipino businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo last April 8.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed the filing of charges against Chinese national Wenli Gong, also known as Kelly Tan Lim, over the murders of Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.

The DOJ made the pronouncement following the conclusion of its preliminary investigation against Gong where it found “prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction” against her.

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“Following the conclusion of the preliminary investigation of the National Prosecution Service (NPS), the DOJ has issued a resolution directing the filing of two Informations in court for the offense of Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide against ‘Kelly,’” the DOJ said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the DOJ said Que’s son, Alvin Que, has been cleared of the case due to a lack of evidence establishing his involvement in the crime.

The DOJ also recommended that respondents Yuan Haohua, Yuan Fanquiang, and Lee Hsiao Ting be referred to the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group for case build-up for violation of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

The department then emphasized that the resolution does not automatically determine the guilt of the accused, vowing that the respondents will be afforded their full right to due process.

“As stewards of justice, we are bound not by pressure or presumption, but by evidence, law, and the enduring principles of fairness and due process. The public can be assured that this case, as with all cases, is being handled to the utmost level of objectivity and accountability,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

It was on March 29 when Que and his driver were last seen in a black Lexus van bound for Parañaque.

His family then reported that they were kidnapped after receiving a message demanding a ransom for their release.

However, despite ransom payments, both Que and Pabillo were killed. Their bodies were discovered in Rodriguez, Rizal. /das