4 December 2003 – As a country that has over seven million of its citizens overseas, the Philippines fully understands the concerns of a foreign government whenever a crime is committed against their citizens while in a foreign land, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople.  The Secretary made this comment in connection with the killing of two Korean nationals in Cebu last 29 November.

“We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Government of the Republic of Korea and to the families of the victims.  We would like to assure them of our fullest cooperation in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary said that just as the Philippines expects host government to give crimes against Filipino nationals their utmost attention, the Philippines will do all it can to protect foreign nationals, pursuant to international law standards in the treatment of aliens.

“We understand not only the profound sense of loss that the Korean Government feels over this crime, but we also understand and share their deep desire to see that justice is done,” the Secretary said.

“The Philippine Government has given the fight against crime and lawlessness the highest priority.  We are directing government resources and mobilizing communities to help make the Philippines a safer place for both Filipinos and foreign nationals.  I would like to assure the Governments of countries who have nationals in the Philippines that fighting crime is something that we take very seriously,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary said that the Department continues to coordinate with police and security agencies in order to ensure the safety of foreign nationals in the Philippines.

“We are working closely together with our local and national authorities to ensure our compliance with our treaty obligations in relation to the safety of foreign nationals.  We are committed to observing our obligations under international law, just as we expect other countries to do likewise,” the Secretary said.  END.