Philippine police chief apologizes for his men killing Korean businessman

The Philippine police chief on Thursday apologized for his men kidnapping and killing a South Korean businessman last year.

"I am very sorry this crime had happened and involved my men," Philippine Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said after an oath-taking ceremony of more than 70 newly promoted police officers held in Malacanang, the presidential palace.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte, who had been updated about the incident, was angry.

Dela Rosa said he would provide the South Korean government a complete report about the incident once an investigation is completed.

Jee Ick-joo, a former executive of shipbuilding firm Hanjin, was abducted by rogue policemen in October 2016 and was reportedly brought to Camp Crame, the police headquarters where he was later killed after the abductors received some ransom.

Jee's body was reportedly cremated in a crematorium in Caloocan owned by a retired policeman.

Dela Rosa also said the killing of the Korean national does not mean that there is a breakdown of the rule of law in the country, adding that the Duterte government will intensify efforts to cleanse the national police. Endit