A Filipino-Chinese businessman and his driver, who were reported missing late last month, were found dead in a town in Rizal Province after ransom was allegedly paid by his family to the abductors.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said that the bodies of Congyuan Guo also known as Anton Tan and his driver Pabillo were recovered in Rizal on Wednesday.

"There were signs of bruises and some body injuries. There was also a sign of strangulation", Fajardo said.

Cecilio Pedro, former president of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, told The Big Story the local Chinese community is hoping for a swift investigation, with the persons responsible put behind bars,

Fajardo said that they are also looking into the possible involvement of the Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) in the abduction.

"What we can say right now is we are pursuing some leads ... we're looking in the direction that those involved here are possibly involved in other kidnapping incidents", she added.

The PNP confirmed that chief of its anti-kidnapping group, Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay, has been relieved.

Fajardo added that PNP chie Gen. Rommel Marbil said that " he is not satisfied with the performance that’s why he was relieved and replaced".

Ragay was replaced by Col/ David Poklay, who served as the deputy director for operations of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

In February, Ragay was previously administratively relieved due to the investigation regarding the kidnapping case of a Chinese minor. He was reinstated after his administrative relief was nullified due to election period regulations. Marie Manalili/DMS