Anson Tan's family denies late businessman was involved with POGO—lawyer

The family of the late Anson Tan or Anson Que, the Filipino-Chinese businessman who was kidnapped and killed, has disputed any suggestion of his connection to POGO transactions.

"The family of the late Anson Tan firmly disputes allegations that their father was involved in POGO transactions. They have no rental property in Bulacan to speak of," the family, through their lawyer, Jose Christopher Belmonte, said in a statement.

Belmonte said that for decades, Tan was engaged in "legitimate business" and is a "stalwart member of the Filipino Chinese business community and is known for his charitable work."

"During his lifetime, he stayed away from shady dealings and only did business with people he knew and trusted," he continued.

"We appeal to the public to remain critical of misleading news and thank everyone for their support. The family will continue to fully cooperate with the Philippine National Police even as they request that they be accorded privacy during this time of grief and mourning," he ended.

Tan, owner of Elison Steel in Valenzuela, and his driver Armanie Pabillo were kidnapped in Bulacan last March 29. According to The STAR, residents told police that two men wearing hoodies left his Lexus LM350 multi-purpose vehicle at around 4 p.m.

His death was confirmed on Thursday, April 10.

Tan and his driver's bodies were placed inside a nylon sack, and their faces were wrapped in duct tape. Their hands were also tied with nylon rope, per ABS-CBN News.

Reports that Tan was killed by a POGO syndicate due to an unpaid debt. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that they are "aware of this theory" and that they have "more information" about it.

"We don't want to divulge everything in [the] media, we need to operate quietly," Remulla noted.