Koreans put in a bad light over 'mafia' revelation

Korea's consul general in Cebu lamented the bad publicity they have been getting following President Rodrigo Duterte's allegation that a Korean mafia leads an illegal drug and prostitution ring here.

Consul General Sung Yong Oh said they have not received any evidence or data from the Philippine government that would support the President's pronouncement.

In a press statement, he said that the Consulate constantly communicates with the police and military, but the alleged illegal activities were never mentioned.

“It is quite unfortunate that on the basis of President Duterte's remarks, some media reports have already undermined the Koreans' reputation and have cast them in a bad light. Let it be em- phasized that majority of the Koreans in Cebu respect and abide by Philippine laws,” Oh said.

He said, though, that if the Philippine government can substantiate the allegations, the Korean government will cooperate in the investigation.

Oh also noted that since May 2014, there was no murder incident involving a Korean national in Cebu, an indication that the Korean community here is peaceful, he said.

“Nevertheless, we should not lose focus on the fact that Korean Jee Ick-joo was murdered by policemen inside Camp Crame. We trust that the perpetrators will be held fully responsible for it in order to give justice to the victim,” the consul general added.