Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Friday the creation of an anti-kidnapping task Force, following the abduction of a Chinese businessman and his driver who were found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal, last April 10.

In a press conference, Remulla said this task force aims "to have a higher visibility leadership that people can talk to when there is a problem."

"Of course, our President has given the very strict order to the three of us to be on top of the situation to identify this type of incident," Remulla said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will be working with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in this task force.

"With this task force that will be created by our secretary, it is a good thing. We can help each other," NBI chief Jaime Santiago said.

As this was announced, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said a Chinese woman and her Filipina helper were recovered in Cavite last Tuesday after being missing in Makati since April 6. Police said the boyfriend of the Chinese woman paid ransom in cryptocurrency.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said five Chinese nationals four Filipinos were tagged as suspects

Cecilio Pedro, former president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said the business community is afraid of this kidnapping issue.

"This is what we do not want, creating so much apprehension in the business sector and even in the population," Pedro said, referring not only to the Filipino-Chinese but also to the Filipinos.

Pedro expressed their full confidence (to the task force) that this issue will be addressed.

"We will go out of our own to assure the community, especially the business community, that everything is moving forward," Pedro said.

Remulla said the community is aware of what happened and is happening.

"We will need the help of the community so that we can act accordingly on the problems on a day-to-day basis," Remulla said.

The DOJ will release hotlines in the next few days, which the community can use to report a tip and for complaints. Kate Christian Ravelo/DMS