Korean gov't calls for increased security for Korean citizens in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The South Korean government sought the local police in Zamboanga City to intensify the security for their compatriots following the kidnapping incidents in the region. 

City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro said the Korean consul and police attaches came to see him to ensure the security of their nationals staying Zamboanga region.

Casimiro said the Korean officials expressed their concerns as two of their citizens were abducted in Zamboanga Sibugay and in Lanao del Norte. 

Casimiro said the victim abducted in Lanao province had been released last February while an old Korean businessman abducted in R.T. Lim town in Zamboanga Sibugay remained in captivity in Sulu. 

The victim was identified as Noui Hong Sung, 73, a Korean national and businessman, who was abducted last January 25  at Barangay Surabay. 

Casimiro said the victim has been in R.T. Lim doing business for four years already before he was abducted.

He said that with the visit of the Korean government officials, they learned at least 23 of Korean citizens have been conducting business in Zamboanga City and were being monitored.