MANILA — Basic Korean language will soon be taught to police officers who will man tourist protection desks in cities where crimes against South Korean nationals and other tourists have been reported, an official said on Tuesday. 

The plan was conceived after Philippine officials met with South Korean diplomats to find ways to curb criminal incidents against South Koreans and other foreign nationals in the country.

“Actually sabi nga nila, kapag nabuo na iyong tourist protection desk na iyan, we are willing to send iyong mga police na tatao diyan para matuto sila nung basic Korean language,” said Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

“So, willing po silang turuan iyong atin pong mga kapulisan and natuwa naman po kami, kasi itong pag-solve talaga ng krimen is hindi naman po talagang solely sa pulis iyan, kasama po dito iyong community,” he said.

“Magandang dynamics po iyong nakita natin, tulungan po ng  community, especially sila, iyong mga banyaga na nandito at iyong atin pong law enforcement agencies,” he said.

The PAOCC chief did not say how many crimes against South Korean nationals have been reported in recent months, but noted that there have been incidents of theft, homicide and fraud.

“Actually hindi naman po lahat ginawa ng mga Filipino. Iba po ang may gawa rin, mga kapatid din po nila, mga foreigners din,” he said.

“Naipaliwanag naman po natin iyan sa embahada… Ang sinasabi lang po nila, dapat magkaroon talaga ng pulis doon sa lugar na iyon kasi kung may pulis doon sa lugar na iyon, hindi sana nangyari or na-prevent o nahuli sana nang maaga iyong suspect,” he said.

“Actually, iyong ibang naging problema naaksiyunan na natin eh kaya lang hindi lang talaga nairi-report nang maayos,” he said.

Philippine and South Korean officials are set to have another meeting later this week to cascade the plan to law enforcement agencies particularly in Manila and Angeles City, where there are established Korean communities.

Meantime, the PAOCC said its officials are also scheduled to meet their counterparts  from the United States and other European groups to share best practices in curbing the presence of illegal gambling operations.