Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully re-arrested a Korean national who absconded from government custody earlier this year.
Operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), led by FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, together with agents from the Intelligence Division–Special Response Team (ID-SRT), conducted a coordinated inter-agency manhunt operation on the evening of February 26 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 January 1, 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 January 14 following intensive tracking operations.
During the arrest, 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.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a strong warning following the successful re-arrest.
“No fugitive who undermines our laws and abuses our systems will find safety in this country. What he did was a direct challenge to the Bureau—and we have answered it decisively. We will pursue, arrest, and remove any foreign national who threatens public safety and national security,” Viado said.
The Commissioner commended the FSU, ID-SRT, and partner agencies, including the Korean authorities, the National Bureau of Investigation–Intelligence Operations Division, the DICT–Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and government intelligence forces, for their coordinated efforts in the manhunt.
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 May 31, 2023, at Clark International Airport after attempting to depart using a counterfeit Philippine passport.
