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 to the government to intensify its campaign against heinous crimes that pose a grave threat to the peace and order 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 Que was abducted while he was dining in a popular seafood restaurant in Metro Manila. His remains along with his driver’s were recovered in Rodriguez, Rizal, nearly two weeks after.

Que was a steel magnate and a philanthropist for 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 businesses for decades and was a staunch member of the Chinese-Filipino community.

The crime brought serious concerns about security within the Chinese-Filipino 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,” the business groups said.

“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 threats to the peace and order of the country could have adverse effects on business and tourism.

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