Philippines issues apology to Korea over murder of Korean man by police officers



A spokesman for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has apologized to the South Korean government and the public for the death of Jee Ick-joo , who was murdered by Filipino policemen.

During a briefing with reporters on Tuesday, the spokesman expressed condolences, especially to Mr. Jee's widow, adding that the nation will commit the full force of the law to ensure justice is served.

National police chief Ronald Dela Rosa had previously said the policemen

kidnapped Jee from his home in Angeles City last October before killing him the same day.

In another incident that happened in the same area, officials confirmed that three Korean tourists were detained and robbed by local police last month.

The tourists, who were in the Southeast Asian country to play golf, were held at a police station for eight hours falsely charged with illegal gambling until their friend came and paid a ransom of some six-thousand U.S. dollars.

The officers robbed the Koreans of their golf clubs, jewelry and some 200 dollars in cash.

Police say they've fired seven policemen who were involved but said the officers will not face criminal charges because the process requires the victims to return to the Philippines.



(KOREAN) -

"As far as I know, they removed the officers from their post first and then began investigating and taking action."



The latest news is raising concern in Korea regarding the safety of Korean tourists and nationals living in the Philippines.

Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.

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