Law-abiding Koreans are always welcome in the country but would not be given any special treatment once they engage in criminal activities, President Duterte declared Saturday night.
The President warned about dealing severely with foreign and local criminals alike after revealing that a South Korean group has reportedly established prostitution and illegal drug operations in Cebu City.
“Wala akong problema sa law-abiding Koreans. You will be protected. You will be treated equally as a Filipino,” the President said in a media interview in Davao City.
“But for those into the racket of prostitution, drugs, and everything, kidnapping, you will be treated as just an ordinary criminal, just like a Filipino. You don’t enjoy special privileges just because you’re a foreigner,” he added.
The President made the remarks in the wake of reports that a Korean mafia may be involved in the kidnap-slay of Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.
Duterte earlier prohibited the police and the National Bureau of Investigation from conducting anti-drug operations following the murder of Jee while ordering a cleansing of the police ranks. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the military have been tapped to enforce the country’s drug laws instead.
In the media interview last Saturday night, Duterte said “with due respect to the South Korean government,” he has learned from intelligence sources that the South Korean mafia has the “strongest” base in Cebu City.
He claimed that he drove out a South Korean crime gang out of Davao City after issuing a stern warning during his stint as mayor of the city. “I was a mayor then. I said ‘You do not mess up here,” the tough-talking leader said.
The President, however, made clear he was not out to pick a fight with South Korean government, insisting the Asian neighbor remains the one of the country’s steadfast friends.
“I’m not condemning all Koreans. They are always welcome here. Korea is our friend. It has helped us in so many ways.
I don’t want to pick a quarrel,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)