PAOCC mulls tourist security training for cops, barangay law enforcers

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) leads a meeting with officials from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea at Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Friday, May 23, 2025. (Photo from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission)

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) proposed tourist security management training for police officers and barangay patrols to combat crimes against foreigners.

This came in a statement from the PAOCC after the commission, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) met with representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Camp Crame on Friday.

PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz recommended “[incorporating] a comprehensive training course on tourist security management in the [PNP] Basic Recruit Course,” the commission said in its statement.

Cruz also recommended “locally-based training programs for the barangay tanods in all municipalities with heavy tourist arrivals to become a viable auxiliary support force to the PNP in ensuring the safety of tourists in the country,” the PAOCC added.

It further said the PAOCC executive director recommended the “installation of multilingual safety signage in airports, hotels and public terminals.”

The commission previously met with the Korean consulate and members of the Korean community last Friday, where Cruz suggested the “revitalization” of tourist security desks.

READ: PH, S. Korea talk police cooperation in bid to fight violence vs Koreans

Then in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon last Tuesday, Cruz also said police officers may be trained to learn basic Korean language for easier coordination in crime response.

READ: Cops may be taught Korean to help them assist tourists – PAOCC

Fatal shooting of Korean tourist in Angeles City

A case particularly cited during the meeting was the fatal April 21 shooting of a Korean tourist during a robbery in Angeles City, Pampanga.

READ: Korean tourist shot dead during robbery in Angeles City

PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melecio Nartatez Jr. reported to the officials at the meeting that the suspects in the case had already been taken into police custody after backtracking closed circuit television footage.

“During the investigation, it was uncovered that the suspects were persons of interest in various robbery incidents in Pampanga. This further underscored the investigation and led to the value of apprehending the suspect,” the PAOCC added. /jpv