South Korean fugitive who escaped detention arrested again — BI

A Korean fugitive who escaped from government custody was rearrested in a manhunt operation in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced Friday.

According to the BI, 32-year-old Lee Jingyu was nabbed along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Tambo on February 26, more than a month after he escaped immigration custody on January 1.

Lee is the subject of a summary deportation order for undesirability and is listed under an Interpol Red Notice for drug smuggling.

The BI said Lee had been on the run since January after he and fellow detainee, Yang Heejun, disappeared from the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa.

Yang was apprehended anew on January 14 following tracking operations.

"No fugitive who undermines our laws and abuses our systems will find safety in this country," said BI Commissioner Joel Viado.

"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," he said.

Likewise arrested during the manhunt operation was 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 during the operation and was taken into custody.

The foreigners were temporarily placed under the custody of the National Bureau of Immigration as they face their deportation charges.

Korean fugitive deported

Meanwhile, the BI said a Korean fugitive wanted in his country for alleged involvement in deceptive investment schemes was deported to his home country.

The 28-year-old foreigner was apprehended on May 31, 2023 at Clark International Airport after attempting to depart using a counterfeit Philippine passport.

Authorities said he allegedly misled fellow Koreans into investing in non-existent accounts and, together with his associates, withdrew the funds for personal gain. — VDV, GMA Integrated News