Que family denies slain trader’s link to POGO

The family of kidnap victim Anson Que, whose legal name was Anson Tan, denied allegations their slain patriarch had a shady connection with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

“The family of the late Anson Tan firmly disputes allegations that their father was involved in POGO transactions. They have no rental property in Bulacan to speak of,” said former Quezon City representative Christopher “Kit” Belmonte, the Tan family’s counsel, on Saturday.

Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, were found dead by a road in Rodriguez, Rizal, on 9 April. Their remains were discovered by a concerned citizen in Sitio Udiongan, Barangay Macabud, around 6 a.m.

Belmonte stressed that Que had been engaged in “legitimate businesses for decades and was a stalwart of the Chinese-Filipino business community and was known for his charitable work.”

“During his lifetime, he stayed away from shady dealings and only did business with people he knew and trusted,” he added.

Belmonte conveyed the Tan family’s appreciation for the outpouring of support they received.

“We appeal to the public to remain critical of misleading news and thank everyone for their support. The family will continue to fully cooperate with the Philippine National Police even as they request that they be accorded privacy during this time of grief and mourning,” Belmonte said.

POGO operator suspect

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla earlier said the POGO link was brought up during his meeting with the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday.

Authorities suspect a POGO operator may be behind the kidnapping and murder of Que, following reports of a “refund” demand from POGO bosses. Remulla said all possible motives are being investigated.

“That was part of our discussion earlier, but we cannot disclose all the details. It’s not a matter of executive privilege, but rather operational matters that we cannot reveal at this time,” he said.

In a press conference on Friday, PNP spokesperson P/Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said they were investigating the possible involvement of Chinese nationals linked to POGO operations in the kidnapping and killing of Que and his driver.

Fajardo said some Chinese nationals were extorting money from those involved in or were associated with POGO operations.

The PNP is targeting a specific group that was allegedly behind the abduction and killing of a Chinese national last year, she said.

Fajardo explained that the possible connection to last year’s incident was based on the similarities in how the victims were killed, including the use of duct tape on their faces and the manner by which they were hogtied.

Que and his driver were last seen alive on 29 March, the day authorities believe he was abducted.

A police report stated that the two bodies were found inside a nylon bag and dumped on a grassy roadside in Rodriguez, far from where Que’s black Lexus van was discovered a day earlier in Project 6, Quezon City.

Fajardo earlier said the two bodies showed signs of bruising, injuries, and strangulation.

Tightened measures

Meanwhile, the PNP said it will further enhance measures to ensure the safety of the Chinese-Filipino community following the kidnapping and death of Que.

PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said Saturday the police, in coordination with the agencies concerned, are taking seriously the recent abductions and killings of foreign nationals in the country.

“We are deeply concerned, and we will not rest until these cases are solved. We are mobilizing all investigative assets and leveraging every capability to ensure these incidents do not recur,” he said.

Marbil said the PNP has identified suspects in Que’s case.

“We can arrest some people right now, but we can’t get the mastermind. We want the mastermind,” he said.

Marbil also noted the PNP’s recent meeting with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) to discuss its concerns after the kidnappings and deaths of Chinese nationals.

“We understand the urgency and gravity of these cases. The Philippine National Police is fully committed to resolving them swiftly and restoring confidence in public safety,” he said.

“We are closely coordinating with the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation through constant information-sharing to expedite the process, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought to justice,” he added.

In response, FFCCCII representatives have conveyed their full trust in the authorities handling the cases.

“We are confident this case will be solved sooner than soon. We will go out of our way to assure the communities, especially the business community, that everything is moving forward, and we are hopeful for a resolution in the near future,” the group said in a joint statement.

Marbil said the PNP and the FFCCCII have agreed to implement a joint program that would proactively identify and address potential threats to the community.

Among these efforts are the enhancement of the group’s coordination with local police units, strengthening surveillance efforts in key business hubs, and providing safety briefings to member companies and communities.

Marbil reassured the public that the PNP is addressing concerns over the “perceived lawlessness” and its potential impact on the country’s image among foreign investors and visitors.

He emphasized that the Philippines remains “safe for business and travel.”

Marbil assured that the PNP continues to be vigilant and responsive to any threats to peace and order.

“The PNP remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect the public and calls on all stakeholders to continue working together to uphold justice and preserve peace and order,” he said.