Duterte threatens to kill Korean gangs

By Jung Min-ho

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to kill Korean criminal gangs who are involved in the illegal drug trade in his country, according to local media Monday.

Duterte told reporters recently that Korean gangs will not receive special treatment for their crimes just because they are foreign.

“For those into the racket (business) of prostitution, drugs and everything, kidnapping, you will be treated just like ordinary criminals,” Duterte, who has repeatedly encouraged citizens and police to kill those involved in illegal drug trafficking, said in a stern warning.

The statement came after Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa claimed that a Korean gang may be behind the murder of Jee Ick-joo, a Korean businessman found dead in October inside the national police headquarters.

Witnesses said Jee was killed by local police officers conducting operations against illegal drugs. Local media reported that the murder temporarily halted Duterte’s infamous “war on illegal drugs,” which virtually allowed anyone to kill people suspected of drug offenses without a proper trial.

Following the killing, Duterte expressed his condolences, vowing to punish those responsible in the heaviest possible way.

Citing intelligence sources, Duterte claimed Korean gangs have engaged in illegal drugs and prostitution operations in the Philippines.

“It’s strongest in Cebu. If you ask any (person there) or if you go to Cebu for investigative journalism you will find out,” he said. “With all due respect to the South Korean government, they are the ones controlling drugs and prostitution.”

But Duterte also made it clear that he is not condemning all Koreans ― important guests for the Philippine economy.

“They’re always welcome here. Korea is our friend. It has helped us in so many ways,” he said. “To law-abiding Koreans, you will be protected, treated equally as Filipinos.”

Korea is the most important country for the Philippines’ tourism sector. In 2015, more than 1.3 million Korean tourists visited the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Cho Joon-hyuk said the ministry will respond soon to Duterte’s comments.