Following the killing of a Chinese businessman and his driver last week, notable business organizations in the country, namely the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), and Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport), have called on the government to intensify its campaign against heinous crimes.

The groups said the recent kidnapping and killing of Chinese businessman Anson Tan, also known as Anson Que, and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, was a wake-up call for the government to intensify its campaign against heinous crimes that pose a grave threat to the peace and order situation in the country.

“These acts are not merely crimes; they are an assault on the soul of our nation, a grotesque violation of humanity itself, and a declaration of war against the principles of justice, decency, and peace that bind us as a society,” the groups said in a joint statement.

Reports said the kidnapping incident occurred while the businessman was dining at a famous seafood restaurant somewhere in Metro Manila.

The remains of Que and Pabillo were recovered in Rodriguez, Rizal, nearly two weeks after they were abducted.

Que was a steel magnate known as an active philanthropist in his business group’s charitable projects.

“Anson Que was more than a name; he was a testament to the power of enterprise wedded to compassion. His driver, Armanie Pabillo, whose name we must also etch into our collective memory, was a father, a son, a worker,” the statement read.

The businessman was involved in legitimate business for decades and was a staunch member of the Filipino-Chinese community. He only engaged in business with people he knew and trusted when he was alive.

The crime allegedly causes serious concerns about security within the Filipino-Chinese community.

“Law enforcement authorities must recognize the severity of these human transgressions and urgently eliminate all crimes in the country. The immediate arrest of all perpetrators will send a strong message to everyone that the local law enforcers are determined to uphold the rule of law. How can ordinary citizens feel safe if even a prominent businessman and kind-hearted individual such as Anson Tan was not spared from such atrocities?” the groups stressed.

Moreover, the group said any threat to the peace and order of the country could have adverse effects on business and tourism, both of which boost the Philippines’ economy.

“Can investors and tourists remain confident going to the Philippines if they do not feel protected when doing business and traveling across the country, respectively? May the government and the police authorities enforce more active measures on public safety so crimes will be eradicated and justice will soon prevail in the country,” the joint statement further read.