Korean family of 3 found dead in the Philippines
A Korean family of three living on Mactan Island near Cebu City in the Philippines was found dead at their restaurant on Thursday local time, according to the Korean Embassy there.The victims included a 70-year-old man, identified only by his surname Ahn, his 68-year-old wife and their 42-year-old daughter. A neighbor apparently discovered the bodies and alerted authorities, who believe the three were stabbed in the restaurant.
Local police also found Ahn’s son-in-law, 38, identified only by his surname Kim, unconscious and bleeding near the establishment. He was taken to a hospital, though authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening.
The building manager testified that he heard people fighting in the restaurant before the incident. Local police have pinpointed Kim as the primary suspect in the investigation and believe he may have gotten into a heated argument with the victims before attacking them and then attempting to commit suicide.
However, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the crime could have been committed by locals.
Five Koreans were killed this year alone in the Philippines in crimes committed by Filipinos. That figure could possibly increase to eight depending on the outcome of the current investigation.
The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also dispatched personnel to the scene.
The family was known to have run the restaurant on the island, which is a famous tourist attraction, especially among Korean newlyweds.
BY KIM BONG-MOON [bongmoon@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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