A tragic incident involving a Korean national occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, April 20, in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City, Pampanga, after a robbery attempt turned fatal.

The victim, identified by authorities only through his surname, Kim, was gunned down by an unidentified suspect during an attempted bag-snatching incident near a bank along the Fil-Am Friendship Highway, located within the bustling Korean Town area.

According to the preliminary report released by local police, the incident took place at approximately 1:50 p.m. while the victim was standing outside the said bank. Two men riding a motorcycle reportedly approached Kim. The individual riding at the back attempted to forcibly grab the victim’s bag.

Kim reportedly resisted the robbery, prompting the suspect to pull out a firearm and shoot him in the torso. After the shooting, both suspects immediately fled the scene on their motorcycle, leaving the victim critically wounded on the pavement.

Bystanders and concerned citizens rushed to help and immediately transported Kim to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save his life, the victim was declared dead on arrival by attending medical personnel.

On Monday, April 21, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. issued a strong statement condemning the violence and expressed his deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and the Korean community. He also directed law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation and resolve the case within 72 hours, emphasizing that such criminal acts will not be tolerated in the city.

Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and conducting follow-up operations to identify and apprehend the suspects. The incident has sparked concern among both local residents and the growing foreign community in the area, particularly in Korean Town, which is known for its active tourism and business activity.

As of this writing, police continue to appeal to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.