Say slain steel magnate not involved in shady dealings
The family of steel magnate Anson Que as well as Filipino-Chinese civic leader Teresita Ang See have dismissed the theory of the Philippine National Police that a POGO-linked debt collector group may have been involved in the abduction and murder of the businessman and his driver.
“The family of the late Anson Tan (Anson Que) firmly disputes allegations that their father was involved in POGO transactions. They have no rental property in Bulacan to speak of,” said the family in a statement released through their lawyer Kit Belmonte in a statement.
“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. During his lifetime, he stayed away from shady dealings and only did business with people he knew and trusted.”
“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,” the family added.
Ang See, founding chairperson of the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order, said there was no basis for the PNP’s suggestion linking the killing of Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo to POGOs.
“No basis at all – this just showed the ineptness of the police. They are victimizing the family all over again. Haven’t they suffered enough?” Ang See said.
Manila Standard sought comment from the Philippine National Police regarding the statements of Que’s family and Ang See but has yet to receive a reply.
On Friday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said a group of debt collectors related to illegal POGO operations may be behind the kidnapping and murder of Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
She said the same group was previously tagged in a similar kidnap-for-ransom case last year.
“The manner on how the kidnapped victims were killed — even the use of duct tape to cover their victims faces, our two victims were put inside a nylon bag, and their hands were tied behind — it is similar to the first incident involving a Chinese national last year,” Fajardo said.
“The group we mentioned in the first incident and may be connected with this new case was involved before with POGOs in that their modus operandi is they are allegedly the collectors of debt in relation to POGO operations,” she added.
Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla said they are looking into all possible motives behind the murder, including reports alleging that ex-POGO bosses were demanding a refund from Que.
Also on Friday, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. held a meeting with the PNP, DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation.
It held a separate meeting with officials from the Chinese Embassy who expressed deep concern over the case and other public security affecting Chinese nationals in the country.