Rody to BI: Hands off Korean, Chinese tourists

President Duterte has ordered Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel not to touch South Korean and Chinese tourists following reports of

tanim-bala (bullet-planting) at the country’s airports and harassment of tourists.

He also said that he will “kill” any immigration officer found to be involved in extortion or other “stupid” activities, just like the “Sparrow unit” of the New People’s Army – the rebels’ hit squad during the Marcos era.

Another option would be to send erring BI officers to Jolo, the President said during his speech at the Cabatuan covered gym in Iloilo Tuesday night.

“Once a tourist leaves the airport and is given so many days, don’t approach them, particularly the Koreans and Chinese. Only you, director, can do it, Gen. Morente,” Duterte said, designating BI Commissioner Jaime Morente as the sole person responsible for the welfare of foreign tourists.

He issued the directive to prevent a repeat of the incident that led to the killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo in 2016.

During a visit to Seoul early this month, Duterte promised South Korean President Moon Jae In that the Philippine government will ensure the protection of Koreans who visit the country.

Moon also vowed to reciprocate the Philippines’ move by protecting over 60,000 Filipinos working and living in South Korea.