IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay -- A shopping center, owned by a Korean couple who lost cash and valuables to robbers, has folded in what appear to be a decision made in fear of a growing "climate of uncertainty in doing business" here.
The Ipil Shopping Center, owned by Jonas Sy, situated at the heart of the town's fledgling commercial district, has announced its garage sale this week. In a matter of few days, the store's stocks are almost empty.
Sy and his wife were divested by unidentified robbers with cash amounting to P135,000 and some valuables last January 2.
The robbery was the second in a week's time. Last December 27, armed men onboard a sports utility vehicle carted P6 million after they robbed employees of One Network Bank in Upper Pangi village of this town.
The owner of the shopping center refused an interview with VoxPop Philippines but an employee, who requested not to be named, said the decision to close shop was "due to the robbery incident."
"They no longer feel safe doing business here," the employee said.
This developed as most Korean businessmen are growing more wary of robbery and kidnappings in this town.
Willy, who asked for his true identity not to be revealed, said he and his fellow expats "living and doing some businesses here are alarmed and getting more concerned of our safety."
"We feel unsafe," he said.
Around 100 Koreans live in Zamboanga Sibugay. Korean nationals numbered to around 100,000 in the Philippines.
The fear of the Korean community in the province is not unfounded, as in 2015, a 74-year-old man was found dead 10 months after he was abducted by Abu Sayyaf.
The victim, who was only identified by his surname Hong, was kidnapped on January 24, 2015 while he was visiting his son's home in R.T. Lim town, some 20 kilometers west from Ipil.
Abu Sayyaf bandits operate around the Sulu, Basilan, and Zamboanga Peninsula area, and reportedly demanded a ransom of P500 million ($10.6 million) for Hong three weeks after he was kidnapped.
Also, at least 10 Koreans were killed in the Philippines in 2015, raising alarm in Seoul on how to better protect its nationals residing in or visiting the country. (VoxPop Philippines)