BI recaptures South Korean fugitive

MANILA, Philippines — A South Korean fugitive who escaped last week allegedly with the help of Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel after attending a court hearing in Quezon City was rearrested yesterday.

Na Ikhyeon, 28, and his alleged accomplice, another Korean named Kang Changbeom, were nabbed in Angeles City, Pampanga, according to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

On March 4, Na escaped after attending a hearing on the estafa case filed against him before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Police said Na escaped at around 2 p.m., but BI officials reported the incident at 5 p.m. He reportedly escaped through the lavatory.

Na and Kang are considered “high-risk detainees” and will be held at the BI detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

The three BI security personnel have been dismissed from the service. They will face administrative and criminal charges, Viado said.

Na is wanted for fraud in South Korea. He was first arrested by the BI at the Clark International Airport on May 31, 2023.

His deportation was put on hold because of a pending estafa complaint filed against him by a Filipina.

The BI is investigating if the case is a ploy to prevent Na’s deportation.

Investigation showed that Kang, who is also allegedly wanted in South Korea for fraud, aided Na’s escape.