PNP: Chinese trader, driver found dead; cops probing ties to Pogos

Philippine National Police. — Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — A kidnapped Chinese businessman and his driver were found dead, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed yesterday, adding that investigators are checking if the murders are connected to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).

In an interview, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the bodies of Congyuan Guo, also known as Anson Tan, and his driver were recovered in Rodriguez, Rizal.

“There were signs of bruises and some body injuries. Mayroon din (There was also a) sign of strangulation,” she added.

Fajardo said a vehicle belonging to the businessman was recovered in Quezon City on April 8, and investigators are looking into a report that two people in hoodies had abandoned the victim’s Lexus.

The PNP spokesperson detailed that Guo, whom police also identified by the name Anson Que, was engaged in a steel business in Valenzuela City.

She said the victims were last seen alive on March 29 at around 2 p.m. when they left Guo’s office.

The victim’s family filed a report with the Anti-Kidnapping Group on March 30, Fajardo added.

READ: PNP: Father of abducted Chinese teen has Pogo connections

The PNP spokesperson refused to divulge specifics about the case, saying that the victim’s family had requested privacy.

Investigation task group formed

“We are pursuing some leads. As to what extent yung leads na ito, nandoon tayo sa direksyon na tinitignan na yung mga involved dito ay possibly involved sa ilang kidnapping incidents,” Fajardo said.

(We are pursuing some leads. As to what extent these leads are, we’re looking in the direction that those involved are possibly involved in other kidnapping incidents.)

When asked if the case was linked to Pogos, Fajardo answered, “Kasama yun sa anggulong tinitignan natin (That’s among the angles we’re looking at).”

PNP chief of directorial staff Lt. Gen. Edgardo Okubo is leading a special investigation task group formed for the case, according to Fajardo.

She further said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group led by Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III will be the lead unit in the probe.

READ: PNP: PH is ‘calm,’ no reports of harassment of Chinese nationals

“One of the courses being undertaken simula pa kahapon ay yung (since yesterday is the) backtracking (of) CCTV (closed circuit television cameras) in Region 3, in 4A, even NCR (National Capital Region),” Fajardo said.