Koreans ‘still trust’ Filipinos

 South Koreans still trust Filipinos despite crimes victimizing their fellow nationals in the Philippines.

They are still encouraged to visit the Philippines either as tourists or for business, according to the consul and police attaché of the Consulate of the Republic of Korea.

“We believe criminal incidents (victimizing Koreans) are isolated. There are many Filipinos who are hospitable,” said Yong Sang Lee. “We also believe in President Rodrigo Duterte as an authoritative leader.”

South Koreans top tourists in Western Visayas in terms of number.

Arrivals from the East Asian country reached 337, 096 last year, according to the Department of Tourism Region 6.

Concerns on the safety of Koreans surfaced recently after a South Korean businessman was allegedly abducted and killed by rouge police officers in the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police in Quezon City.

At least 15 South Koreans have died in Visayas in 2016 — four each in Boracay, Cebu and Bohol, two in Bacolod City, and one in Dumaguete City — many of which were due to drowning and petty crimes, said Yong.

“We understand that accidents happen,” he said. “We could not ask for the 100-percent safety of South Koreans. What we are asking is for Filipinos to help make sure our tourists, especially South Koreans, are safe.”

Yong was in the island to observe a court hearing on the case of a South Korean who died in a helmet diving incident in 2015.

Peter Eom, father of the victim, said he would still encourage South Koreans to visit the Philippines despite what happened to his son.