Concern raised over safety of Korean tourists

MANILA, Philippines — South Korea aired concern yesterday over the safety and security of Korean tourists in the Philippines following a shooting incident that killed one of its nationals in Angeles, Pampanga.

The victim was shot dead in broad daylight along Friendship Highway, near a bank in Korean Town, on April 20, which was initially reported as a robbery incident.

“We are concerned about the safety and security of the tourists. This year, there were some unfortunate incidents involving Korean tourists. So that affects the tourism,” South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa told journalists during a meeting yesterday at the Korean residence in Forbes Park, Makati.

Tourism industry players have cited a significant drop this year in the number of visitors from South Korea, which has consistently been the biggest source of tourist arrivals in the Philippines in the past years.

The ambassador said he visited Pampanga to discuss the incident as well as the safety and security of their nationals. “In terms of… you know alleviating this concern from the Korean side,” he added.
Lee joined National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago and members of the Korean community for a joint meeting last month at Clark Global City, Pampanga.

Still, Lee believes Korean tourists will gain confidence and trust in the Philippines as one of the best tourist destinations. “We are proud to say that Korea has been number one among the incoming tourists. We hope that the trend will continue,” he said.

Philippines acquiring 12 fighter jets

Lee also said the Philippines is acquiring 12 additional FA-50 fighter aircraft from South Korea as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program.

He said the Department of National Defense (DND) signed a contract last June 3 for the acquisition of 12 units of FA-50 (Block 70) from South Korea, worth approximately $700 million.

The first batch of the aircraft will be delivered before the end of President Marcos’s term in 2028, the embassy said.