Pasay City, Manila — Following the re-apprehension of the Korean fugitive who eluded authorities, investigations revealed alleged complicity from officials of Bureau of Immigration (BI).
In a statement on Monday, Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the involvement of some BI officials in Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon’s escape on March 4.
Na is wanted in South Korea for fraud, and was first arrested by BI in May 2023.
His deportation was delayed due to an estafa case filed against him in the Philippines.
During a hearing on March 4 for the said case, Na was able to escape authorities using the court’s bathroom.
Five days into hiding, he was re-arrested this Sunday.
“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,” BI said in a statement.
Recent developments in the investigation revealed that aside from the other Korean, three BI officials were also involved in Na’s “planned” escape.
Following this, Hontiveros is looking into a Senate probe to investigate Na’s escape, but the involvement of some Immigration officials as well.
She expressed concern over these lapses, especially on the authorities’ part, when it comes to handling foreign fugitives.
“This is symptomatic of the failures and offenses of the BI in handling erring foreign nationals. Mukhang hindi mawala-wala ang kultura ng korapsyon sa ahensya. Magkaroon naman sana ng konting hiya itong mga kawani ng gobyerno,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
With this, Hontiveros is set to issue a subpoena for the CCTV footage of Na’s escape, as well as footage inside Pegasus, where the transaction for the escape allegedly happened.
Presently, the two Korean fugitives are under BI’s custody, while the three agency’s officials involved in the incident were already terminated.