Robredo says PNP ready to stop criminals

MANILA, Philippines -  Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has assured the public that the police are ready to stop criminals, particularly car thieves and highway robbers.

He and police officials briefed South Korean Ambassador Hye Min and officials of the United Korean Association at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Makati.

Robredo discussed with South Korean officials the Tourist Protection Program under the Tourism Act of 2009.

It provides for the establishment of a tourism security force whose main function is to assist in maintaining peace and order in areas with high tourism traffic.

Robredo said other security mechanisms for foreigners are the Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection program, the Bantay Turista, the organization of the Tourist Police, Tourist Assistance Centers in identified tourist destination areas, and the Tourist Assistance Desk in the regional, provincial, city and municipal police stations.

Robredo informed the South Korean officials of the Special Liaising Post for South Koreans, as well as the establishment of a South Korean Desk at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to provide an effective networking between the police and South Korean embassy on matters involving South Korean security concerns.

Robredo said the police have set up measures to abate criminality involving South Koreans, particularly car theft and highway robbery.

Lee thanked Robredo for initiating the joint consultative meeting and for police efforts, particularly the establishment of the institutional mechanism for South Koreans. 

“The Korean embassy is very satisfied with the effort of the PNP for the quick response and assistance when needed,” he said. Robredo, also Napolcom chairman, assured the 17-man South Korean delegation that such consultative dialogue will be held regularly, at least once every two months.

“I am confident that this activity will contribute in enhancing the strong, friendly relations between the Philippines and Korea, and will strengthen the active partnership of the DILG, Napolcom, PNP and the Korean embassy in addressing the concerns of the members of the Korean community in the country,” he said.

Robredo also recommended the need for the presence of representatives from other departments or agencies for the next meetings, particularly from the Department of Justice (DOJ) if the agenda is related to prosecution, or the Department of Tourism if it concerns the tourism industry.