Chinese businessman abducted, killed & stuffed into rice sack in Manila, sparks fears of surge in organised crime

A prominent Chinese businessman and his driver were abducted and killed in east Manila on Mar. 29, reported the South China Morning Post.

The bodies of the two men, Anson Que and Armanie Pabillo, were found bound and stuffed into rice sacks on the roadside.

They also bore signs of assault, including strangulation, said a spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The dual murder is the latest in a spate of violent kidnappings, which has sparked fears over the growing threat of organised crime in the Philippines.

In February this year, a gang abducted a 14-year-old Chinese student and cut part of his finger off in an attempt to demand a ransom.

His driver was also killed, CNN reported.

Call to action

Amid mounting criticism over the lack of progress in curbing such crimes, the PNP removed the director of its Anti-Kidnapping Group, the spokesperson said.

A coalition of influential business groups also called for the government to take immediate action, according to The Manila Times.

"When criminals believe they may kidnap and slaughter with impunity, we are no longer merely a society in crisis — we are a society in peril," it said in an Apr. 10 statement.

The group warned that the surge in crime could scare away investors, erode confidence in the country's business climate, and devastate key industries.

Calling for reforms such as major upgrades to law enforcement, and vowing to keep up the pressure on the authorities until implemented, they said: "No more tolerating the intolerable."

"The time for empty platitudes is over. The time to act is now."

On Apr. 12, GMA News reported that the police have identified suspects in the Anson Que killing.

But they are still seeking "the mastermind" behind the operation, the police chief said.

Top image from Unofficial: Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa Solid Supporters/Facebook