Police officers in cities like Manila and Angeles will be trained in basic Korean language to better communicate with and protect South Korean nationals and other tourists. This is part of the government's move to reduce crime involving foreigners.
According to Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), South Korean officials are ready to help train police officers in the language. He said solving crimes is easier with help from the community, especially from foreigners living in the Philippines.
There have been cases of robbery, fraud, and homicide against several Korean nationals. But not all of them were committed by Filipinos—some were also committed by fellow foreigners. “If only there had been police in the area, the suspects could have been prevented or caught immediately,” Cruz said.
This move is the result of a meeting between Philippine and South Korean officials. There will be a follow-up meeting to further expand the plan to law enforcement agencies in areas with large Korean communities.
Apart from South Korea, PAOCC will also meet with officials from the United States and Europe to share best practices in combating illegal gambling and other crimes.
