Taguig police: We promptly responded to armed robbery in BGC
Taguig police said they “promptly responded” after armed robbers targeted two Korean nationals in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, on May 17.
Following the incident, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Korean Embassy in the Philippines raised concerns about the safety of Korean citizens. Both issued a travel advisory, warning against the rising number of violent crimes in Metro Manila.
According to reports, two Korean nationals were robbed at gunpoint at around 11:40 p.m. on 9th Avenue, near One Park Drive in BGC.
Four suspects on two motorcycles fled with expensive bags and cash.
Taguig police later confirmed that the stolen luxury crossbody bags were valued at P200,000.
Immediately after the crime, investigators reviewed CCTV footage from BGC and nearby areas while tracker teams traced possible escape routes into Makati and Manila.
Within 24 hours, police identified two suspects based on intelligence and surveillance efforts.
A robbery case was filed against them at the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office on May 21.
“This swift identification and filing of charges reflect the Taguig PNP’s strong operational capability and commitment to delivering timely justice. Further investigation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the suspects. The Taguig City Police urges the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to their nearest precinct or through the following official hotlines,” Taguig police said.
The Korean embassy’s advisory highlighted growing concerns over armed robberies across Metro Manila, particularly in areas like Pasay, Makati, and Malate.
“Recently, there has been growing concern over the continuous occurrence of gun robberies regardless of time and place. This incident is alarming as it marks the first gun robbery targeting our citizens in BGC, which was considered relatively safe,” the embassy noted.
The advisory also urged Korean nationals to avoid unnecessary travel late at night and to refrain from wearing conspicuous luxury items, citing heightened risks to personal safety.
South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source of inbound tourists.
The Department of Tourism reported that in 2024, 1.57 million Korean visitors arrived in the country, a rise from 1.45 million in 2023, accounting for 26.46% of the total 5,949,350 foreign arrivals.