PAOCC assures Korean community in PH it will implement measures vs crimes
The PAOCC, led by its chairman Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, meets with representatives from the Korean consulate and the Korean community in the Philippines on May 16, 2025 to address the rising crimes against Korean nationals. PCO
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission on Friday assured the Korean community in the country that the government will remain steadfast in eradicating violent crimes.
PAOCC chairperson Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin gave this assurance in a dialogue regarding rising violent crime rates, with representatives from the Korean consulate and the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines, according to a press release from the Presidential Communications Office issued Saturday.
PAOCC Executive Director Cruz presented to them a plan to safeguard Korean nationals residing in or visiting the country.
Included in the plan is the revitalization of tourist security desks which will provide police visibility and enhance coordination with local authorities in safeguarding foreign nationals.
Authorities will also have an intensified monitoring of key areas such as Angeles City, Manila, and Cebu.
The high-level dialogue was also attended by Ambassador Marciano A. Paynor Jr. (Ret.) of the Office of the President, and Undersecretary Jeffrey G. Gallardo.
During the dialogue, Sand Seung-Man, deputy chief mission and consul general of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, asked for strong reinforcement from the Philippine government in enhancing the safety of Korean communities, amid crimes targeting Korean nationals, both residents and visitors alike.
Sand suggested having an international police cooperation and intelligence gathering framework to ensure effective investigation.
This came weeks after a Korean national was killed along Friendship Highway in Korea Town, Angeles City.
The victim and his friend were standing in front of a bank when the riding-in-tandem suspects accosted them.
One of the suspects forcibly took the bag of the victim that contained P5,000 and other valuables.
The two victims were about to recover the bag when one of the suspects shot one of them in the chest before fleeing with his accomplice on their motorcycle.
The victim was brought to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Some persons of interest (POIs) have been identified in the fatal shooting, according to the city police on Thursday.
At a press briefing, Angeles City Police head Police Colonel Joselito Villarosa Jr. said the POIs were identified through a review of CCTV footage and other evidence.
To help in the probe, the Korean Association Community of Angeles City has offered a P200,000 reward for any information that will lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrator.
The public are encouraged to immediately report any leads to the Angeles City Police. —KG, GMA Integrated News
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