CEBU, Philippines - The Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu assures that there is no such thing as a ‘Korean mafia’ in Cebu City, though officials admit Korean nationals have surrendered to them since President Rodrigo’s made his pronouncement.
Republic of Korea’s Second Secretary and Consul as well as Police Attaché Lee Yongsang met with Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella to discuss the matter.
In an interview, Lee guarantees to the public that there is no Korean mafia in the city but he admitted that because of the recent pronouncement of the president, at least two Korean nationals who have surrendered before their office.
He said there is nothing be alarmed about considering that these individuals did not do major illegal activities.
Lee added that since he assumed office on September 2015, he has deported at least 18 Koreans for misbehaving in Cebu. The crimes committed include estafa and murder.
In response to the president’s pronouncement, Lee says his office continues to monitor Koreans living in Cebu so that they can immediately report any illegal activities to police authorities.
Lee shared that the Korean communities in Cebu have been helping them by providing information if there is a Korean national involved in illegal activities.
Lee vowed to work hand in hand with the police authorities.
In a separate interview, Labella said he is glad that the consulate is willing to help the authorities in the city in maintaining peace and order.
“He is willing to coordinate really or work with police offices, officials of the city in seeing to it all the Koreans that here in Cebu will continue to behave, comply with our existing laws and follow rules and regulations in the country,” Labella said.
In spite of the reassurance from the consulate, Labella said law enforcers here in city will still do close monitoring for the security of the constituents as well as tourists.
Labella then told Lee not to hesitate to ask help from them, particularly with the Philippine National Police so that they could immediately address the matter.
Lee claimed that there are at least 25,000 South Korean nationals presently living in Metro Cebu. (FREEMAN)