By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) rearrested a Korean who escaped from government custody earlier this year.
Lee Jingyu, 32, was rearrested during an interagency manhunt operation on Feb. 26 evening along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
The Korean is a subject of summary deportation order for undesirability and is listed under an Interpol Red Notice for drug smuggling.
Lee had been on the run since Jan. 1 when he disappeared from the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa City.
Intelligence reports revealed his movements from Manila to Baguio City and other nearby areas to evade authorities.
His fellow detainee, Yang Heejun, was rearrested on Jan. 14.
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 was taken into custody when he failed to present a valid passport or any immigration documents.
Lee and In are in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation while they face their deportation charges.
The joint operation was done with agents from the Intelligence Division–Special Response Team, Korean authorities, the NBI–Intelligence Operations Division, the DICT–Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and government intelligence forces.
Meanwhile, the BI deported another Korean, 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 allegedly misled fellow Koreans into investing in non-existent accounts and withdrew the funds for personal gain.
Na was previously arrested on May 31, 2023 at Clark International Airport after attempting to depart using a counterfeit Philippine passport. (PNA)
