The Philippine police held the latest press conference on the kidnapping and murder case involving Chinese businessman Guo Congyuan and his driver. They disclosed several key investigative developments. Three suspects have been arrested, including two Filipinos who identified a Chinese man, David Tan Liao, as the mastermind and direct executor of this case.
There are still two Chinese suspects at large, a man and a woman, who are likely directly connected to David Tan Liao. The police are actively pursuing them.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of March 29. Guo Congyuan left his office in Valenzuela City, driven by his driver Pabillo to Bulacan Province.
According to investigations, a Chinese woman lured them to a residential area in Meycauayan City under the pretense of discussing business. Surveillance footage showed that Guo and his driver did not immediately encounter any attack upon arrival, and the driver even briefly left the car to shop. Subsequently, the woman opened the gate, Guo entered the house, and the driver was also brought in, after which both went missing.
A few days later, the bodies of the two were found in Rodriguez town, Rizal Province, dressed only in underwear, mouths taped, and hands tied behind their backs. Preliminary autopsy results confirmed that they died of suffocation due to strangulation.
Despite claims by Guo Congyuan's family that he had no involvement with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), police discovered suspected POGO operating facilities on the second floor of the house, including desks, chairs, and several computers. The police are extracting electronic data to investigate potential illegal gambling or fraud activities.
The suspect David Tan Liao has a complex identity and has attracted significant attention. The police have found that he owns multiple properties in Sta. Cruz district of Manila and Pasay City, and has registered a travel agency and a law firm. He also holds a valid Philippine gun permit until 2033, owning seven guns, although local laws prohibit foreigners from owning firearms. The legality of his gun permit is under investigation.
Further investigations revealed that David Tan Liao moved to the Philippines in 1990, and his identity was only officially registered in 2016. He is currently listed as a suspect in multiple kidnapping cases, including at least six involving kidnapping, extortion, and murder.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are urging those with information to come forward and are expanding their investigation to determine if this involves an international criminal network.
