The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership was mum when asked to comment on the Tan family’s vehement rejection of a running theory that steel magnate Anson Tan’s murder was prompted by his supposed connections to now-outlawed Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The Standard learned that concerned police officials may address the controversy in a press briefing today.
Earlier, PNP spokesperson, Brigadier General Jean Fajardo Fajardo said the Chinese mobs have been extorting money from those involved in or associated with POGO operations.
The PNP has “zeroed in” on the same group that was also behind the abduction and killing of a Chinese national last year, she disclosed.
Authorities suspect that this group of POGO enforcers may be behind the kidnapping and murder of Tan/Que, following reports of a “debt collect” demand from POGO bosses.
The Tan family repudiated the PNP’s POGO theory as they appealed to the public to give them time to grieve the death of their patriarch.
“At this time of deep sorrow, we ask for privacy as we grieve,” the Tan family said through former Quezon City representative Christopher “Kit” Belmonte.
“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,” he added.
Tan is also known as Anson Quo and Guo Congyuan.
A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) led by PNP Chief of Directorial Staff, Lt. Gen. Edgardo Okubo, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, Major Gen. Nicolas Torre III, has been formed to fast-track the investigation.
