By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(April 12, 2025) – The family of a slain Filipino-Chinese businessman on Saturday refuted claims that he was involved in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
Atty. Kit Belmonte, the legal counsel of Anson Tan’s family, said the victim “stayed away from shady dealings” and only worked with “people he knew and trusted.”
“Mr. Tan has been engaged in legitimate business for decades and is a stalwart member of the Filipino-Chinese business community and is known for his charitable work,” said Belmonte in a statement.
Tan owned Elison Steel, a steel manufacturing company based in Valenzuela.
During a media briefing on Friday, Department of Justice secretary Boying Remulla acknowledged the possibility that a POGO syndicate might be involved in the kidnapping and killing of Tan.
Reports also surfaced that POGO bosses allegedly demanded a “refund” from Tan’s family. Remulla, however, refused to divulge further details.
Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary Jonvic Remulla, meanwhile, said Tan’s family paid P100 million in three installments to the kidnappers.
Belmonte urged the public to remain critical of false information.
The motive for the crime is still being investigated.
“The family will continue to fully cooperate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) even as they request that they be accorded privacy during this time of grief and mourning,” added Belmonte.
On Wednesday, the lifeless bodies of Tan and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, were discovered by a concerned citizen on a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the victims’ bodies showed signs of bruises, injuries, and strangulation.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said they have identified suspects but their details need to remain undisclosed to prevent them from possibly leaving the country.
Belmonte also dismissed that Tan had rental property in Bulacan, where he and Pabillo were reportedly kidnapped on March 29 when they were supposedly on their way to a meeting in Parañaque. The Tan family reported their abduction on March 30.
On Tuesday, authorities recovered Tan’s van in Quezon City. Two unidentified men left it in Brgy. Bahay Toro, according to the PNP Highway Patrol Group.
(PM)
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