Davide calls on Koreans in Cebu to report ‘Mafia’ to authorities

Governor Hilario P. Davide III calls on Korean nationals in Cebu to help authorities track down what President Rodrigo Duterte calls “Korean Mafia” in Cebu.

On Monday, Davide said he was surprised over Duterte’s pronouncement saying it was the first time he heard about Korean mafia in Cebu.

On February 4, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte announced in Davao City the presence of an alleged Korean mafia operating an illegal drug trade and prostitution den in Cebu.

“This is the first time I have heard of this, but it does not mean that there is no possibility to this,” Davide said.

Davide added that considering the rising number of Koreans in Cebu, there is a possibility that a syndicate might be operating among them.

“It’s really a cause of concern for them (Koreans). Some of them are already living here, while some have established businesses,” Davide said.

However, Davide said that the pronouncement will not affect the relationship between Cebuanos and South Koreans in Cebu.

Although this will be a concern for all since all Koreans will be subject to the suspicions. Cebuanos, for their part, should be vigilant in reporting any suspicious activities, Davide said.

Davide calls on Koreans in Cebu who have information about the mafia to report it to local authorities while he will verify the information with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that Duterte’s statement should not be discounted since this might come from a reliable source.

Magpale, chairperson of the Provincial Women’s Commission, revealed that in their operations against human trafficking involving foreigners, Koreans ranked low on the list.

Moreover, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz confirmed the President’s declaration, saying he had known about this information since 2009 when he was still deputy director of the PDEA.

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said that there are more than 89,000 Korean expats living in the Philippines as of 2015. Of this number, there are 25,000 residing in Cebu. (Kaye Abadia)

SOURCE: www.cebu.gov.ph