The Philippine National Police (PNP) formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to look into the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Congyuan Guo—also known as Anson Que or Anton Tan—and his driver, whose bodies were found in Rodriguez, Rizal last week.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said on Thursday that the task group will be led by PNP Directorial Staff chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
Fajardo confirmed that the victims—Tan and his driver Armanie Pabillo—bore signs of torture and strangulation.
Their bodies were discovered on April 3, dumped in a remote part of Barangay Macabud and wrapped in duct tape and nylon rope, according to Police Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran of the CALABARZON Police Regional Office.
Initial reports indicate the two were last seen leaving Tan’s business establishment in Valenzuela City for a meeting in Parañaque. A day later, their relatives reportedly received a ransom demand via mobile messaging.
Police are also looking into possible links between the crime and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“One of the angles we are looking at is the possible involvement of a group behind this incident and previous incidents (linked to POGOs),” Fajardo said.
The PNP-Highway Patrol Group also recovered a black luxury car believed to be used in the abduction. It was found abandoned on Seminary Road in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City on March 29. Witnesses reported that two men in hoodies left the vehicle in the area.
In response to the incident, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil relieved PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) Director BGen. Elmer Ragay from his post. Ragay was replaced by Col. David Poklay, former Chief Directorial Staff of the CIDG, according to PNP Public Information Chief, Col. Randulf Tuano.