23/04/2026
PRO7 WELCOMES DILG CHIEF, KOREAN AMBASSADOR AT MACTAN SHRINE, STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR TOURIST SAFETY
Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Arnold E. Abad, reaffirmed its commitment to community-centered policing as it hosted Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla and His Excellency Lee Sang-Hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, during a visit to the Korean Help Desk at Mactan Shrine on April 20, 2026.
More than a ceremonial engagement, the visit underscored a shared mission—to build safer communities through strong partnerships, mutual trust, and proactive policing, particularly in key tourism areas where safety and confidence are paramount.
At the heart of this initiative is the Korean Help Desk, a concrete example of community policing in action—bridging law enforcement and the international community, ensuring that foreign nationals are not only protected, but also heard, assisted, and empowered.
PRO7 continues to anchor its efforts on the guiding principle of the Chief, PNP, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.:
“Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
A commitment that translates into responsive, transparent, and people-centered police service—felt not only by Filipinos, but by every visitor who chooses the Philippines as a destination.
In his message, Cho Bonghwan, Chairman of the Cebu Korean Community Association, Inc., highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between authorities and the Korean community:
“We humbly ask for your continued support and protection so that Koreans can feel safe and secure while enjoying the beauty of the Philippines.”
Ambassador Lee commended the Philippine government’s leadership in advancing public safety and strengthening partnerships, noting that these efforts contributed to a significant 50% reduction in crime—an unprecedented development that boosts investor confidence and tourism growth.
“The Korean Help Desk plays a vital role. It sends a clear message that Korea and the Philippines stand united against criminality. Korean nationals can report with confidence, knowing their concerns will be addressed in an environment where they feel secure and truly at home,” Ambassador Lee emphasized.
Secretary Remulla, for his part, underscored the importance of shared responsibility in sustaining peace and order, citing the success of the Safe Cities initiative launched on April 6, 2026, which significantly reduced crime through disciplined communities grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“There is a price for civility—and that is good behavior. There is a price for civility—and that is following the law. There is a price for friendship—and that is respecting each other. This is the direction where Korea and the Philippines are heading,” he stated.
The visit highlights the power of collaborative governance, where law enforcement, local government units, and international communities work as one in ensuring safe, welcoming, and resilient destinations.
The event was attended by officials of the Local Government Unit of Lapu-Lapu City led by Mayor Maria Cynthia King Chan, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” M. Ouano, members of the city councils, representatives of the Korean community, Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan, Acting Director of the Philippine National Police Academy, and key officials of PRO7.
Through strengthened partnerships and community engagement, PRO7 continues to advance a policing approach that is inclusive, responsive, and deeply rooted in trust—ensuring that safety is not only enforced, but shared and experienced by all.