Dedicated Police Assistance Desk for Foreigners
The Philippine government is stepping up efforts to protect South Korean nationals by establishing a dedicated police desk for foreigners in various police stations. This new initiative aims to provide quicker and more focused assistance for foreign tourists and residents who encounter crime.
Officials from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently held discussions with representatives from the Korean Consulate and the United Korean Community Association. The goal was to identify the types of crimes affecting Koreans and map out hotspots to better allocate police resources and increase safety measures. This crime mapping helps authorities pinpoint areas that require intensified police presence.
“So, naglagay naman tayo ng police assistance desk particularly sa mga turista. So, iyong mga turista kung magiging biktima po sila ng krimen, doon po sila tatakbo sa police desk na dedicated po sa mga turista,” an official explained in a recent interview. This means tourists who fall victim to crimes can directly seek help at specially designated police desks, designed to assist foreigners.
Role of PAOCC in Crime Prevention
The PAOCC will act as the main coordinator in addressing crimes against foreigners. They will assess whether areas with significant Korean communities require increased police surveillance and protection. Instead of going through their embassies, foreigners can now report crimes directly to these dedicated desks, streamlining the process and encouraging more victims to come forward.
Local experts have identified places such as Malate in Manila, Angeles in Pampanga, and Parañaque as priority areas for this enhanced protection. Crime reports include incidents of snatching, theft, murder, and scams. Although crime data varies, authorities emphasize the urgency of acting swiftly to prevent further victimization.
Protecting Tourists and Investors
“Ang masaklap nga lang po diyan, iyong mga nagri-report kasi nating mga biktima dito is mga turista, iyong iba po ay mga investors. So, ayaw po natin na maapektuhan sila at manlumo sila na isipin nila na magulo ang Pilipinas, so ang ginagawa po talaga natin dito, inaaksiyunan natin kaagad,” said one official. The government recognizes that both tourists and foreign investors need assurance of safety to maintain confidence in the Philippines as a secure destination.
To strengthen this assurance, the PAOCC is drafting an executive order focused solely on the protection of tourists. This policy is currently under review and will be finalized in collaboration with senior government officials to ensure effective implementation.
Upcoming Measures and Training
Authorities are planning a meeting with law enforcement agencies to discuss the deployment of police officers manning these tourist assistance desks. Additionally, they are considering training these officers in the Korean language to improve communication and service quality for Korean nationals.
These steps demonstrate the Philippine government’s commitment to creating a safer environment for foreigners, particularly South Korean nationals, who contribute significantly to the local economy and cultural exchange.
For more news and updates on South Korean nationals protection, visit Filipinokami.com.