FORMER police lieutenant colonel Rafael Dumlao, convicted in the high-profile kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, was apprehended early Tuesday morning in Quezon City, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
During a press briefing, Remulla confirmed that PNP operatives served the arrest warrant at around 5:00 a.m. at a residence in Pasong Tamo, formally taking Dumlao into custody years after he was dismissed from service in 2018.
The case dates back to October 2016, when Jee Ick Joo was abducted, held for ransom, and eventually killed — with the crime taking place even inside Camp Crame, the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police.
Investigations and witness testimonies revealed that the victim was targeted for extortion; when he failed to produce the demanded amount, he was allegedly strangled to death and his body burned to destroy evidence. Dumlao was among the key figures implicated in the conspiracy, facing charges of kidnapping, extortion, carnapping, and murder.
Legal proceedings spanned nearly a decade, with major developments shaping the outcome. In September 2024, the Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling, found Dumlao guilty, and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua — a penalty of up to 40 years in prison — while ordering his immediate arrest without bail. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction on June 30, 2025, when it denied his petition and all remaining remedies, exhausting every possible legal avenue and leaving the arrest order final and executory.
Remulla emphasized that Dumlao’s arrest underscores the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of rank, former position, or influence.
“This morning’s operation is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to enforce the law and implement court decisions,” he said, adding that the action sends a strong message of accountability and reform within the police service. He also commended the PNP team for carrying out the order professionally, noting that even though Dumlao was once part of the organization, he was not given special treatment or protection from the consequences of his crimes.
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