This developed even as they assured the health conditions of their compatriots recently coming from Korea in the light of the spreading Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-COV) contamination in their country.
During the media forum “Talk Widus” organized by the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) at the Prism Lounge of the Widus Hotel and Casino here last Wednesday, the president of the Korean Community Association Central Luzon, Inc. (KCACLI) said they are saddened by some of their compatriots who give in to bribery just to have peace and settle down quietly.
But even with this development, KCACLI President Kim Ki Young also gave his assurance that Koreans recently arriving here from Korea are now being monitored by their community primarily for health reasons due to the MERS-COV scare.
KCACLI Vice President Kim Tae Young said there are more than 20,000 Koreans and some 150 business establishments in the Korean community in Angeles City excluding investor- locators in this freeport.
The Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corp. (PSPC), a Korean company which specializes in packaging and testing semiconductors, is the top locator here with roughly P7.6 billion in investments here.
Ruperto Cruz, chair of the advocacy group Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), has earlier urged the government to exercise fairness in dealing with Koreans especially those who invest in the community. Cruz said the Koreans should be given credit for resurrecting the Friendship Area from a ghost town in the aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruptions into a thriving business community now.
During the media forum, a Korean businessman narrated how he was victimized by customs personnel when he arrived in the country via Asiana Airlines. “They open all the bags and take whatever they want,” he lamented.
He said he went through the Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific and never experienced being harassed by customs. Another Korean said they are being shaken down for money even if they try to seek the assistance of government agencies.
Kim admitted that some Koreans want to settle down in peace that’s why they negotiate. “We do not know what happens after that,” he added.
Meanwhile, KCACLI Secretary Chung Su Min said among the Korean organizations in their community include Korean schools, a culture center, Korean safety measure community and its affiliated groups, church council, missionaries’ council, athletic associations, Korean travel agencies council, women association, youth association and the Korean elders’ association.
Kim said they want the government to realize that more Korean investors would be coming here if their problems are resolved.
He said as a sign of cooperation, the KCACLI is now currently installing 16 CCTVs along the Friendship highway in the Korean community to help the local police fight crime.
The KCACLI has also established the Fil- Kor police for the longest time to help monitor peace and order in their area.
Kim said the government’s positive response to their plight will have a big impact on would be investors.
The KCACLI said they are also monitoring the cases of Korean investors locked up in controversy with government agencies as they call for “fair treatment” on their cases.
The KCACLI was founded in 2001 and has chapters in practically all provinces in the region.
