Former Quezon City congressman Christopher "Kit" Belmonte (Facebook)

The Tan family belied allegations that its slain patriarch, kidnap victim Anson Tan, alias Anson Que, had connections to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

This was bared in a statement Saturday, April 12 by family counsel and former Quezon City congressman Christopher "Kit" Belmonte.

“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," Belmonte says.

It had been reported that Tan, a Filipino-Chinese businessman, was targeted by kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) group linked to POGOs. POGOs have been banned in the Philippines since the start of 2025.

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

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

"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 (PNP) even as they request that they be accorded privacy during this time of grief and mourning,” Belmonte further said.

The bodies of Tan and his driver were found dumped on a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal last Thursday. 

They were last seen alive on March 29 around 2 p.m. when they left Valenzuela City for a meeting.