In a bid to better serve the growing Korean community in the Philippines, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced that select police officers will undergo basic Korean language training. This move aims to enhance communication with Korean nationals, especially those reporting crimes at police assistance desks.
PAOCC spokesperson Atty. Ernesto Tendero confirmed the initiative, which was discussed during a recent meeting between the PAOCC and the Korean consulate on May 16.
Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, PAOCC’s executive director, said the Korean community was supportive of the proposal. “They agreed to our suggestion and expressed willingness to send officers to learn basic Korean once tourist protection desks are operational,” Cruz said in a televised interview.
The meeting came in the wake of the fatal shooting of a Korean national last April along Friendship Highway in Korea Town, Angeles City. Several persons of interest have been identified through CCTV footage, according to Angeles City Police Chief Col. Joselito Villarosa Jr.
To assist the investigation, the Korean Association Community of Angeles City has offered a ₱200,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. The public is urged to report any helpful leads to the local police.