Koreans donate police outpost for compatriots’ safety in Ermita

The Manila Police District (MPD) has put up a new police outpost in Ermita, with the structure donated by a group of Koreans to help the MPD in the fight against crime in the district, particularly those targeting their compatriots.

Korean Consul Park Yong-jeung, together with officers of the United Korean Community Association of the Philippines, formally turned over the police outpost last week at Remedios Circle in Ermita, said MPD Director Senior Supt. Rolando Nana.

The new post, which is about the size of a freight container, is directly under Supt. Romeo Macapaz, commander of the MPD Ermita station.

Park said the donation was first discussed with the MPD 10 years ago.

“As you may know, there are around 70 Korean-owned businesses here, such as restaurants, bars, massage shops, tour companies and trading offices. This area is also frequented by a large number of Korean tourists who visit the City of Manila each year,” the diplomat said.

He said it was hoped that the outpost would serve as a crime deterrent in the area.

“Our project started in response to the increasing crimes committed against Korean nationals along Adriatico Street and Remedios Circle. A Korean was killed by gunshot in 2013, and many Koreans were victims of kidnapping and robbery,” Park added.

Park said that after a long discussion on issues such as funding for the outpost, the association agreed to shoulder the cost of construction as well as expenses for the continued use of the outpost.

The outpost is equipped with a telephone, Internet connection via Wi-Fi, and an air-conditioner.

Nana assured the donors that the outpost, which comes with phone and Wi-Fi connections and an air-conditioning system, will be used efficiently by the MPD.

“This will encourage the police to go on constant patrols in the area and enhance police visibility in the district,” he said. Nathaniel R. Melican