The Bureau of Immigration (BI) re-arrested a Korean national who absconded from government custody earlier this year.

Operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), together with agents from the Intelligence Division–Special Response Team (ID-SRT), conducted a coordinated inter-agency manhunt operation on the evening of 26 February along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The operation resulted in the re-arrest of 32-year-old Korean national Lee Jingyu, who is the subject of a summary deportation order for undesirability and is listed under an interpol red notice for drug smuggling.

Lee had been on the run since 1 January, when he disappeared from the BI warden facility in Muntinlupa. Intelligence reports revealed his movements from Manila to Baguio and other nearby areas to evade authorities.

His fellow detainee, Yang Heejun, was re-apprehended on 14 January following intensive tracking operations.

Operatives also encountered another Korean national, In Jaesang, 41, who was found acting as a lookout and escort during Lee’s movements in public areas. He failed to present a valid passport or any immigration documents, thus, he was immediately taken into custody.

Lee and In are temporarily remain in the custody of the NBI while they face their deportation charges.

Meanwhile, the BI reported the deportation of Korean national Na Ikhyeon, 28, who departed on board an Asiana Airlines flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

Na is wanted in Korea for his alleged involvement in deceptive investment schemes. Authorities said he misled fellow Koreans into investing in non-existent accounts and, together with his associates, withdrew the funds for personal gain.

Na was previously arrested by the BI on 31 May 2023, at Clark International Airport after attempting to depart using a counterfeit Philippine passport.