By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter

In the wake of two shootings in one week in the Philippines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned Korean tourists and residents there to be on guard.

The latest incident occurred Friday in a bar at Puerto Galera, a tourist town on Mindoro Island.

According to a local report, tourists, including Koreans, and local police were attending the opening ceremony of the KTV bar, when one of the Koreans had ``a heated argument'' with a police officer. The policeman opened fire, injuring several customers.

Those injured included an Australian, American, another Korean and a local, who were all taken to hospital. None of them is in a serious condition, the report said.

Another gun-related incident took place a day earlier.

A Korean resident in Cebu, one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, was attacked by an unidentified gunman while driving, and was hospitalized.

Although the Southeast Asian country has gained recognition as a tourist destination, travelers are still advised to be prepared for worst case scenarios.

Security in the country has been compromised by terrorists and political protesters in hiding.

Last week, a massacre took place on the southern island of Mindanao, which left at least 57 people dead.

The dead included family members of Esmael Mangudadatu, a candidate for provincial governor; his aides; and journalists. The convoy was on its way to file election papers, when it came under attack from suspected Ampatuan gunmen.

skim@koreatimes.co.kr