Korean fugitive who escaped BI detention recaptured; ketamine seized

A South Korean fugitive who escaped from a Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention facility during the New Year celebration has been returned to custody after authorities arrested him in a joint operation.

Moreover, illegal drugs were also recovered from him at the time of his arrest, and his alleged lookout was also taken into custody.

In a report by John Consulta on "24 Oras," operatives said they immediately moved in after they confirmed the presence of their high-priority target.

Members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) International Operations Division and the BI Fugitive Search Unit carried out the arrest of Korean fugitive Lee Jingyu after what authorities described as a difficult operation. Upon his arrest, operatives recovered ketamine from his possession.

His fellow Korean national, believed to have acted as his lookout, was also arrested.

Lee was one of two Korean detainees who escaped from the BI detention facility in Muntinlupa in January 2026 during the New Year festivities. Authorities said tracker teams worked for nearly two months to locate him.

Rendel Sy, BI Fugitive Search Unit Head chief, said the operation faced several challenges.

“Medyo naging challenging ito kasi nga itong subject na ito particularly may support siya na local na groups dito sa atin na pumoprotecta sa kanya. So yung mga safe house niya palipat-lipat siya. Kaya nakipag-coordinate na rin tayo sa NBI upang matulungan tayo na ma-recapture siya,” Sy said.

(It was somewhat challenging because this subject had support from local groups here who were protecting him. He kept transferring between safe houses. That’s why we coordinated with the NBI to help us recapture him.)

The breakthrough in tracking the fugitive reportedly came from intelligence information gathered by the NBI.

“We have a lead. Meron tayo kasi mga ginagamit na informants natin and assets tapos ginigyan tayo ng report na mukhang magpa-positive last night. Eksakto pa na malapit dito sa ating opisina,” said NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag.

(We use informants and assets, and we received a report that it might turn positive last night. It was even close to our office.)

According to Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado, Lee is the subject of an Interpol red notice for alleged drug smuggling and other offenses.

“He's the subject of an Interpol red notice for drug smuggling and other offenses. So importante po hindi lang para sa ating bansa kundi para sa South Korea na mahuli po itong tao na ito considering the gravity of the offenses,” Viado said.

(It is important not only for our country but also for South Korea that this person be arrested considering the gravity of the offenses.)

GMA Integrated News attempted to obtain a statement from the fugitive, but he declined to comment. He has undergone inquest proceedings for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act due to the illegal drugs recovered from him.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, including determining who may have helped facilitate his escape earlier this year. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News