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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider PAOCC sets up help desks for Koreans targeted by crime syndicates

PAOCC sets up help desks for Koreans targeted by crime syndicates

Published Aug 21, 2025 12:08 pm  |  Updated Aug 21, 2025 02:47 pm
At the launching and establishment of Korean Help Desks in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 21, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Embassy)
At the launching and establishment of Korean Help Desks in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 21, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Embassy)

The Philippine Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) launched help desks in areas with large Korean communities across the country following an appeal from the Korean Embassy to ensure the safety of its citizens.

The move was in response to serious crimes in recent months such as kidnappings, armed robberies, and fatal attacks that targeted Korean nationals in the country. 

The Korean Embassy in the Philippines has strongly urged the Philippine government to adopt fundamental and institutional measures to ensure the safety of the Korean community.

Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa (left) (Photo from the Korean Embassy)
Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa (left) (Photo from the Korean Embassy)

“This initiative serves as a concrete measure to enhance the safety of our community members and visitors, while also marking an important milestone in further strengthening the trust and cooperation between our two countries, which were elevated to a strategic partnership last year,” said Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa.

Eight Korean Help Desks will be established in Manila, Angeles, Olongapo, Tarlac, and Cebu, areas that have a large Korean population. 

Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa (Photo from the Korean Embassy)
Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa (Photo from the Korean Embassy)

Located within local police stations, the help desks will provide swift response and support in cases of crimes or incidents involving Korean nationals.

President Marcos also directed the Philippine National Police to establish a special task force dedicated to the protection of Koreans. 

At the launching and establishment of Korean Help Desks in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 21, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Embassy)
At the launching and establishment of Korean Help Desks in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 21, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Embassy)

The launch of the Korean Help Desks is regarded as a symbolic demonstration of the Philippine government’s strong commitment to safeguarding the Korean community.

It also represents the first case in the Philippines where a dedicated response unit is being set up inside local police stations specifically for the nationals of one country.

At the launching and establishment of Korean Help Desks in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 21, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Embassy)
At the launching and establishment of Korean Help Desks in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 21, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Embassy)

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