The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced this Monday the latest developments in the investigation of the murder case involving Chinese entrepreneur Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
The forensic team confirmed that the cause of death was "strangulation," and the case has been classified as premeditated murder. Currently, three suspects have been arrested, and the police are further investigating whether the case involves offshore gambling (POGO) debt disputes.
Three suspects arrested: two confessed, one surrendered, pointing directly at the mastermind behind the scenes
The police noted that among the three suspects involved, two Filipino suspects—Ricardo Austria David (also known as Richard Tan Garcia) and Remate Cataquista were arrested last Friday. Both have admitted to participating in the kidnapping and murder, and have named David Tan Liao as the main planner.
David Tan Liao, a Chinese national, surrendered to the police the day after his accomplices were arrested, admitting his involvement in planning the case, including arranging the kidnapping and subsequent handling.
Investigation focus shifts to POGO industry: possibly involving debt disputes leading to kidnapping and murder
The PNP indicated that initial signs show that suspect David Tan Liao has connections with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
Brigadier General Fahardo pointed out that this case may be related to debt conflicts arising from POGO operations, a "chain reaction" following the government's recent crackdown on POGO.
He said: "Some criminal gangs use the guise of POGO to kidnap debtors, forcing them to repay. We suspect this case also belongs to this category." The police are investigating the specific financial transactions between the victims and the suspects.
The murder case of Anson Que not only shocked the society but also exposed the hidden dangers in the POGO industry chain. The PNP emphasized that it will continue to combat transnational crime networks, collaborate with relevant units to advance investigations and control mechanisms, and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
The police stated that they will work together with the Immigration Bureau, the Department of Justice, and financial intelligence agencies to uncover more background clues and thoroughly investigate the case.
