The Philippine National Police (PNP) has officially launched the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC), in coordination with other government agencies.
PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the initiative is intended to enhance the country’s response to kidnapping incidents that have evolved into transnational crimes involving cryptocurrency.
In his speech before the Filipino-Chinese community and representatives from China, Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia, Marbil admitted that recent kidnapping incidents have become more complex and organized.
Mentioned during the ceremony at Camp Crame was the murder of Chinese businessman Anson Que, in which the ransom was said to have been funneled through casino junket operators.
The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) welcomed the creation of the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC), which also involves the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Anti–Money Laundering Council (AMLC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and other government agencies.
Victor Lim, the group's president, stated that the threat of kidnapping is taking a toll on businesses and discouraging investment.
"Kidnapping has endangered lives, weakened investor and business confidence," said Lim.
"As responsible and law-abiding citizens, we must do something to ensure the security of our families and fellow Filipinos," he added.
Marbil described JAKAC as a ‘historic and strategic’ milestone in addressing emerging patterns of this crime.
