South Korean Minister and Consul General Hanil Lee has called for improved security in Angeles City’s Koreatown, requesting better street lighting and more frequent police patrols to protect Korean residents, business owners and tourists.
Lee made the request during a courtesy visit to Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda on Monday, October 19, accompanied by Jongpil Choi, president of the Korean Community Association in Central Luzon.
The meeting focused on strengthening ties between South Korea and Pampanga while addressing security concerns affecting Korean nationals in the province.
Central Luzon Hosts Thousands of Korean Residents
Lee estimated that between 15,000 and 20,000 Korean nationals live in Central Luzon, describing Pampanga as a major centre of Korean investment.
He also noted that South Korea is the Philippines’ second-largest investor and cited criminal cases involving members of the Korean community in Angeles City as a reason for greater attention to their safety.
The consul general’s requests focused on practical security measures, particularly improvements to public lighting and police visibility in Koreatown.
Pampanga Governor Promises Coordination With Security Agencies
Governor Pineda said she would facilitate a meeting between Lee and relevant government officials and security agencies to discuss the concerns raised during their meeting.
The proposed coordination is intended to bring the appropriate authorities together to address the safety issues affecting Korean nationals in the province.
Korean Officials Meet Central Luzon Police Leadership
After visiting the provincial government, Lee met with Brigadier General Jess B. Mendez, director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), and Angeles City Police Director Colonel Robert Casimiro Domingo at Camp Olivas in San Fernando.
According to PRO3, the meeting centred on improving coordination between Philippine police authorities and Korean representatives on the safety and security of the Korean community in Central Luzon.
The discussions followed Lee’s appeal for stronger security arrangements in Angeles City’s Koreatown, with particular emphasis on protecting Korean residents, business owners and visitors.
