Korean re-arrested fugitive after two-month manhunt

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have re-arrested a South Korean fugitive who escaped from government custody in January, following a two-month manhunt, authorities said Friday.

Operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), led by FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, and the Intelligence Division–Special Response Team conducted the operation on the evening of 26 February along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Authorities apprehended 32-year-old Korean national Lee Jingyu, who is the subject of a Summary Deportation Order for undesirability. He is also listed under an Interpol Red Notice in connection with alleged drug smuggling charges.

Lee had been missing since 1 January, when he disappeared from the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa City.

According to intelligence reports, he traveled between Manila and Baguio City and nearby areas to evade arrest.

Another Korean national, Yang Heejun, who also escaped from custody, was re-arrested on 14 January.

During the February 26 operation, authorities also apprehended 41-year-old Korean national In Jaesang, who was allegedly acting as a lookout and escort for Lee.

Immigration officers said In Jaesang failed to present a valid passport or immigration documents.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Lee’s escape prompted intensified tracking efforts by the agency and its partner units. He added that the BI would continue to pursue foreign nationals facing deportation and other charges.

The BI said it coordinated with Korean authorities, the NBI–Intelligence Operations Division, the Department of Information and Communications Technology–Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and other intelligence agencies during the manhunt.

Lee and In Jaesang are currently in NBI custody pending deportation proceedings.

In a separate development, the BI reported the deportation of another Korean national, 28-year-old Na Ikhyeon, who departed the country on an Asiana Airlines flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

Na is wanted in South Korea for alleged involvement in investment fraud. Authorities said he persuaded fellow Koreans to invest in non-existent accounts and later withdrew the funds with his associates.

He was arrested by immigration authorities on 31 May 2023, at Clark International Airport, after attempting to leave the country using a counterfeit Philippine passport.