MANILA, Philippines – What happened to the large amount of cash of slain businessman Kelvin Tan?

Sr. Supt. Bernard Tambaoan, chief of San Juan Police, said investigators still have no idea as to what happened to the P800,000 of Tan, who was shot dead in front of China Bank along Madison Street in Greenhills last Monday.

He denied that some policemen took the money.

"Maraming testigo na hindi namin ginalaw ang crime scene. Ang SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives) ang nag-declare na nawala ang pera," he told radio dzMM.

"Marami kaming mag-papatunay. Iyung pulis natin kaagad kinordonan ang crime scene. [Ang gunman, walang kinuhang pera] kaya ang apprehension namin eh baka kami ang pagbintangan."

Tambaoan said the gunman, who was caught by a surveillance camera fleeing on foot after the shooting, did not take the cash.

The P800,000 was supposedly encashed by Tan from China Bank. Initial police reports said Tan handed the cash to the bodyguard of his friend Benedict Tiu, identified as Reggie Guadayo.

However, Guadayo, in his testimony, denied ever receiving any cash from the slain victim.

Guadayo said he gave Tan P200,000 before the shooting. The P200,000 was supposedly lent by Tiu to Tan, owner of KT Builders Inc.

Neither the P800,000 nor the P200,000 was found at the crime scene.

"Nag-withdraw siya ng P800,000 sa bangko. Ngayon kung inabutan pa siya ni Reggie, dapat isang milyon yung pera niya. Ang hinahanap po namin kung sino po ang inabutan niya ng pera," Tambaoan said.

Polygraph test

He said the earlier report that Tan handed the cash to Guadayo was based on the testimony of the bank's security guard. However, he said the guard admitted that he did not see the actual handing of cash.

"Ang account nung security guard, iyun ang sinabi niya (Tan) - na may pag-aabutan siya ng pera. Si Reggie Guadayo, ito ang inabutan ng pera. Pinresume lang ng gwardya," he said.

Tambaoan said he has challenged Guadayo to undergo polygraph test.

The Tan family has yet to talk to investigators. Tambaoan said the family asked for some privacy while they mourn their loss.

Meanwhile, the police have already released a sketch of the gunman, who was seen boarding a motorcycle after the shooting.

Tambaoan said the cellphone of Tan is now being checked for possible clues.