Two South Korean nationals — including a fugitive subject of an Interpol Red Notice — were presented to the media on Friday following their arrest in a joint operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)  and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The suspects were formally introduced during a press briefing at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City on 27 February, led by NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag and BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

Authorities identified the primary suspect as Lee Jingyu, who is wanted in South Korea for alleged drug smuggling and has a prior conviction for aggravated assault. Lee is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice — an international alert requesting law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition.

His companion was identified as In Jaesang.

According to the NBI, Lee had escaped from the BI Warden’s Facility in Muntinlupa City on 1 January 2026, triggering a manhunt and intensified coordination between Philippine authorities and foreign counterparts.

Through intelligence monitoring and joint surveillance operations, agents tracked Lee down to Parañaque City, where he was arrested on 26 February.

Recovered during the operation were a small plastic sachet containing suspected ketamine, alleged drug proceeds, and a mobile phone, authorities said.

Both suspects were taken to the NBI headquarters for booking and documentation. 

Appropriate charges would be filed in connection with the illegal drugs seized, while coordination with foreign authorities is ongoing regarding Lee’s pending case abroad.

The arrest underscores what officials described as strengthened inter-agency cooperation in pursuing international fugitives who attempt to evade justice by crossing borders.