The case of the brutal murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Guo Congyuan and his driver continues to ferment. The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently reported significant progress in the case, with three main suspects now under control, and the complex web of interests behind the case gradually emerging.
Case Review: High Ransom Followed by Discovery of Two Bodies, Police Identify Three Suspects
Guo Congyuan and his driver went missing after leaving the office on March 29, and the next day the family received a ransom letter demanding 20 million US dollars. Despite contact with the kidnappers, both were unfortunately killed. On April 9, the police found their bodies in a mountainous area in Rodriguez, Rizal Province, and forensic identification confirmed that both had died from strangulation with an orange rope found at the scene identified as the murder weapon.
The police seized multiple key pieces of evidence in the apartment where the suspects were hiding, including items matching the DNA of the deceased, making the chain of evidence clear. Currently, the three suspects are David Tan Liao, who surrendered himself, and Richardo David and Raymart Catequista, who were arrested in Palawan Province. Additionally, two Chinese suspects are still at large, and the police are intensively pursuing them.
Main Suspect David Tan Liao: A "Familiar Killer" with Multiple Identities, Involved in Six Major Cases
It is noteworthy that the self-surrendered suspect David Tan Liao has a complex identity, actively involved in the Filipino-Chinese community and business circles, with multiple aliases including "Yang Jianmin," "Xiao Changjiang," and "Michael Yung." The police investigation revealed that he operates a travel agency and a debt collection company, mainly serving clients from mainland China.
The police stated that the crime syndicate led by Liao operates in an exceptionally "professional" manner, usually using debt disputes and personal grievances as pretexts for so-called "targeted violent actions." The group's modus operandi is not traditional kidnapping for ransom but more like "murder disguised as kidnapping," with a very heinous nature.
Shockingly, he is also listed as a suspect in at least six major criminal cases, including the 2024 kidnapping and sexual assault of the female financial officer of Alice Guo, the mayor of Tanlu City.
The victim was bound with chains, her head sealed with tape, robbed, coerced into signing numerous blank checks and unclear contracts, and ultimately brutally sexually assaulted, with the case details being horrifying.
Is the Guo Case Related to POGO? Police Investigate Carefully, Family Firmly Denies
As the investigation deepens, there is public speculation about whether Guo Congyuan was involved in the POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) industry. In response, the police are investigating any possible connections, but Guo's family firmly denies his involvement in the sector.
The police stated that they would legally pursue the manipulative forces behind the case, not ruling out further expanding the scope of the investigation to clarify any involvement in cross-border black industry chains.
The case has sparked public debate, and the Philippine government is taking it very seriously. The presidential spokesperson stated that this case is "not an isolated incident" and vowed to thoroughly investigate and prevent the "scapegoat" phenomenon. The police are calling for public tips and are also strengthening security measures in the Filipino-Chinese community.
The Immigration Bureau also announced that it would collaborate with local governments to upgrade the foreigner management system, specifically targeting illegal immigrants, undocumented workers, and high-risk industries, to enhance data monitoring and border security.
