THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the successful re-arrest of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon, who was recaptured just five days after his escape last March 4.
Na was apprehended through the joint efforts of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit and Intelligence Division, in coordination with the City Intelligence Unit, Police Station 4 Angeles, the Regional Special Operations Unit PRO 3, the PNP-Intelligence Group, and the Naval Intelligence and Security Group Northern Luzon.
He was found hiding in a residential area in Brgy. Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga.
Also arrested was his cohort, Kang Changbeom. Investigations revealed that Kang aided Na’s escape, as supported by CCTV footage and other intelligence information gathered by authorities.
Further verification with the Korean National Police Agency confirmed that Kang is also a wanted fugitive in South Korea for fraud.
Both fugitives will be transferred to the BI detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. Given their escape attempt, special arrangements will be made to ensure heightened security, as they are now tagged as high-risk detainees with intent to escape.
Additionally, the BI provides an update on the three employees found to have facilitated Na’s escape, as evidenced by CCTV footage.
Two contractual employees were immediately terminated following the incident, while the case of the permanent employee was escalated to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
On Friday, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued the termination of the third employee involved in the escape.
The swift and decisive actions taken by the BI and the DOJ in this case demonstrate the unrelenting efforts of the agency to uphold justice and maintain the integrity of its operations.
