The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed the capture of one of the masterminds behind the high-profile kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
The suspect, identified as Kelly Tan Lim, was apprehended in a private resort in Boracay, Aklan, along with a Chinese national named Wu Ja Bing, a hairdresser.
According to Police Regional Office III Director and PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo, the arrest followed a manhunt operation launched last Saturday with the assistance of operatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Security Council (NSC).
Authorities received intelligence reports that the suspect had not left the resort premises since checking in on April 26, using Wu Ja Bing as a proxy to handle bookings and transactions.
Fajardo added that Lim sensed police presence in the area and attempted to flee with his parents and several minors but was unsuccessful.
Wu Ja Bing acted as the frontman for Lim, conducting resort transactions to avoid suspicion, particularly since a ₱10 million bounty was placed on Lim’s head.
Both suspects have undergone inquest proceedings and remain under the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, facing multiple criminal charges.
Investigators are hopeful that Kelly Tan Lim will reveal the whereabouts of the substantial ransom money received by the kidnappers.