The Department of Tourism (DOT) has committed to ensuring the safety of South Korean tourists, the Philippines’ top source of international visitors.
“We take this very seriously and are working closely with other government agencies to prioritize the safety of South Korean tourists and all visitors to the Philippines,” DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said.
In 2024, South Korea remained the Philippines’ leading source market with 1.57 million arrivals, contributing about $2.3 billion to the economy.
The DOT, on May 21, 2025, proposed forming a National Task Force on Tourist Safety during a meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Frasco also met with the United Korean Community Association Inc. (UKCA), reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy on crimes against tourists.
“Anyone who harms a tourist must be held fully accountable. Such incidents affect not just individuals, but the entire economy. Tourism supports millions of livelihoods, and we must protect it,” she said.
The DOT said it is coordinating with the South Korean government, including the Korean Embassy, to maintain confidence in the Philippines as a safe destination.
It is also working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local governments to strengthen on-the-ground safety efforts.
Under the Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program, more than 8,600 police officers have been trained, along with barangay tanods and intelligence networks in remote areas.
The PNP also deployed 30 tourist police units, 104 tourist police assistance centers and 1,243 tourist assistance desks nationwide.
Frasco commended the efforts by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to enhance tourist protection, including proposals to train police in Korean and increase assistance desks.
