DFA vows speedy resolution of Jee Ick Joo case 

The Philippine government on Thursday vowed a speedy resolution to the case of a South Korean businessman who was abducted and killed by suspected policemen in Angeles City as Korean government officials expressed “deep concern” on the incident.

“We are coordinating closely with the South Korean government on the early resolution of the case,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

Korean diplomats, who asked not be named because they are not authorized to speak on the matter, told GMA News Online that Philippine Embassy officials were invited by Korean Foreign Ministry on Tuesday to convey their "deep concern" over the murder of Jee Ick Joo.

No protest was filed, they said.

Korean diplomats hope the case will be resolved immediately and that perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice.

They also asked the Philippine government to take “pre-emptive actions” and increase measures to protect Koreans living in the country.

On Thursday, the Department of Justice found probable cause to file kidnapping for ransom with homicide raps against two policemen and five others in connection with the Jee kidnap-slay incident.

Facing charges for the heinous slay of Jee Ick Joo are SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, SPO4 Roy Villegas, Ramon Yalung and four people identified only under the aliases "Pulis," "Jerry," "Sir Dumlao" and "Ding."

Abduction

Choi Kyung Jin, Jee's wife, said eight armed men took her husband and some of their personal belongings from their home.

The couple's household helper, Marissa Dawis, was also kidnapped but was freed the following day. Dawis is now a main witness in the case.

Choi said her husband’s captors initially demanded an P8-million ransom, which was later reduced to P5 million following negotiations.

The ransom was delivered by Choi at fastfood restaurant in Angeles City but Jee was not released.

South Korea has long expressed concern on the rising number of crimes committed against its nationals in the Philippines.

South Koreans comprise the largest number of tourists in the Philippines and at least 100,000 are permanent residents. — RSJ, GMA News