PNP arrests 3 suspects in kidnap-slay of Anson Tan
The Philippine National Police has arrested three suspects in the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Tan and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
Richardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista were arrested on April 18 at around 3 a.m. in Roxas, Palawan, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing on April 19.
Meanwhile, Chinese national David Tan Liao surrendered to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group on Saturday and confessed to his participation in the kidnap-slay. He is also involved in five other kidnapping cases, Fajardo said.
The three suspects were charged with two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide. They are currently under the custody of PNP AKG.
Fajardo said that Liao is only an "operator" and not the mastermind behind Tan's kidnapping. The late businessman's family earlier told authorities that the kidnappers demanded millions of dollars in ransom.
According to the PNP spokesperson, the suspects enlisted a woman to lure Tan to a house near 345 Martha Street, Barangay Langka in Meycauyan, Bulacan on March 29. According to The Philippine STAR, residents told police that two men wearing hoodies left Tan's Lexus LM350 multi-purpose vehicle at around 4 p.m.
"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.
David and Catequista allegedly helped kill Tan and Pabillo alongside another male suspect. They then reportedly disposed of the bodies in Barangay Macabud in Rodriguez, Rizal on April 9.
From the Barangay Langka house, police recovered Pabillo's cap and shoes as well as a nylon sack similar to the bag where the two victims' bodies were placed.
Tan's Lexus van was found abandoned in Barangay Bahay Toro in Quezon City.
On April 12, Tan's family disputed any suggestion of his connection to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator transactions.