Korean travel writer found dead in Antipolo

MANILA, Philippines – A Korean travel writer was found dead along a road in Antipolo City in Rizal on Sunday, June 16.

Colonel Lou Evangelista, Rizal Police  Provincial director, said they identified the man as 59-year-old Joo Yeong-wook, who also owned a travel agency. He arrived in the country  on June 14.

According to the police report, Joo’s body was found along Tatak Road in Barangay San Dela Paz in Antipolo at around 7 am on June 16.

Investigators said he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and grey denim shorts when he was found. His mouth was covered with duct tape, and he had a gunshot to the forehead.

Evangelista said a key was found in Joo’s pocket – apparently the key to the room at a hotel in Makati City where he was staying.

Rizal police said Joo’s child recently arrived in the country to identify the body.

It was learned that Joo arrived in the country  on June 14, and checked in at the hotel in Makati City.  On Saturday afternoon,  June 15, he reportedly went to Antipolo City to do research, and was found dead the next day.

Police said Joo’s money and other belongings were missing, leading them to suspect that robbery was the motive of the killing. They theorized that the robbers might have wanted people to think that Joo was a victim of summary execution, to explain how he was killed.

A probe was still under way. – Rappler.com