PAOCC launches police help desks to combat crimes vs Koreans in PH

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Thursday began setting up help desks at police offices across the country to combat violence against Korean nationals in the Philippines.

The initiative was launched in Angeles City, Pampanga, where a Korean tourist was shot dead during a daylight robbery last April.

“In recent months, crimes such as kidnappings, shootings, and armed robberies have targeted Koreans in Marilao, Angeles, and elsewhere, making their protection more urgent than ever,” South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said at the help desk launch.

“In response, we are strengthening our Korean police assistance desks at all critical entry points and tourist destinations,” PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz stressed at the event.

According to Cruz, the help desks aim to provide “protection, assistance, and timely intervention” for Korean nationals.

READ: PH, S. Korea talk police cooperation in bid to fight violence vs Koreans

Help desks for Koreans were also set up in Cebu City and Manila on Thursday, PAOCC communications chief Marvin Dela Paz said in a message to INQUIRER.net.

The rollout followed a meeting last May between the PAOCC, the Korean Embassy, and members of the Korean community in the Philippines to strengthen cooperation between the two nations’ police forces in combating violent crime. /jpv/abc

 

(2025/08/21-11:09)

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