PNP, NBI looking at possible Korean mafia’s role in Jee kidnap-slay

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are looking into the possible involvement of an alleged "Korean mafia" in the abduction and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.

A report on 24 Oras on Saturday said that according to PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, he is considering the angle because of similar cases in the past.

On Friday, Dela Rosa said that there is a "competition within the [Korean community]" in the country.

However, he said that the main angle of the joint PNP-NBI investigation on the Jee kidnap-slay was extortion.

Policemen and members of the NBI are being suspected of having involvement in the killing.

In the 24 Oras report, Dela Rosa said that he is not trying to veer away the focus on the police involvement in the Jee kidnap-slay.

He said he is hoping that the joint PNP-NBI probe will be able to come out with a credible report.

"I'm not trying to absolve our organization, we're not trying to evade the flaks that befall upon us," Dela said.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa said that only President Rodrigo Duterte can decide if the PNP will resume its operations against illegal drugs.

"He will be the one to determine kung kailangan na kaming bumalik sa war on drugs. Nasa kanya yan. But we have to focus right now sa ating internal cleansing," he said.

Duterte earlier ordered the disbandment of police anti-drug units due to Jee's case.

He said he was embarrassed that anti-drugs officers had abused their power to engage in kidnapping, leading to the death by strangulation of Jee, right inside Camp Crame - the PNP's national headquarters.

Duterte had tasked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to lead the anti-illegal drugs campaign. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ALG, GMA News