Authorities have arrested three suspects linked to the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Tan and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed.
PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing on April 19 that two of the suspects—Richardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista—were apprehended in Roxas, Palawan around 3 a.m. on April 18.
A third suspect, Chinese national David Tan Liao, surrendered to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group and admitted involvement in the crime. Fajardo revealed that Liao is also tied to at least five other kidnapping cases. All three are now facing two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide.
Fajardo clarified that Liao acted as an “operator” and was not the mastermind. The investigation revealed that a woman was recruited to lure Tan to a house in Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan, on March 29. Residents told police that two hooded men abandoned Tan’s Lexus LM350 in the area around 4 p.m., The Philippine STAR reported.
“Doon na nga po na-restrain si Tan. Sinunod naman nilang papasukin ang driver at dun sila hinold until such time na inalis po sila doon. Pinatay po sila ng gabi ng April 8,” Fajardo said during the briefing.
The suspects allegedly killed the victims on the night of April 8 and dumped their bodies in Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal, the following day. Recovered from the crime scene were personal items belonging to Pabillo and a nylon sack similar to the one used to dispose of the bodies.
Tan’s abandoned Lexus was later discovered in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City.
The victim’s family, on April 12, denied allegations that Tan was involved in transactions related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
