Philippines to deploy Korean-speaking police in response to crime wave
Language-trained officers aim to better protect South Korean nationals in the Philippines from a recent spate of thefts, killings and scams
The Philippines is setting up tourist security desks staffed by Korean-speaking police officers after a spate of crimes targeting South Korean nationals in the country.
The Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced the measures on Tuesday, The Philippine Star newspaper reported.
It said that the desks would be placed in police stations located in areas with significant Korean populations.
Officers assigned to the desks will undergo basic Korean language training, with support from South Korean officials, according to online media outlet Brigada News.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said the initiative aimed to improve interactions between law enforcement and Korean-speaking visitors and residents.
Police patrols will also be increased in areas with a high concentration of South Koreans. Most South Korean nationals in the Philippines live in expat-friendly cities such as Manila, Angeles and Cebu, which are also popular tourist destinations.
The new security measures follow a meeting on Friday between the PAOCC chairman Lucas Bersamin, head of the Philippines’ presidential office, and representatives from the South Korean embassy. A day later, the South Korean embassy publicly urged the Philippine government to strengthen protections for its nationals.
Korean Consul General Sang Seung-man “appealed for strong reinforcement” in light of “the alarming violent crimes targeting Korean nationals, both residents and visitors alike,” read a statement from Manila’s Presidential Communications Office.
While exact crime figures have not been disclosed, Cruz confirmed that a wave of thefts, killings and scams had triggered the urgent discussions with South Korean officials.
In April, a South Korean tourist was fatally shot during a robbery in Angeles City, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The PAOCC and law enforcement officials are expected to meet with South Korean representatives later this week to finalise the implementation of the security measures.
