Bureau of Immigration deports pardoned Korean convict

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently deported a 47-year-old Korean pardoned by former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said Lee Byong Woon was sent home last Dec. 8 on board a Cebu Pacific flight to Incheon, South Korea after he complied with the conditions of his pardon.

Lee, who was convicted of illegal recruitment and estafa, served his sentence at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

David said Arroyo pardoned the Korean national 18 months ago.

BI Law and Investigation Division chief Arvin Santos said the Korean was twice detained at the BI for failure to comply with the conditions of his pardon.

“The conditions include his paying a fine of P100,000 and actual damages of P30,000 with six-percent interest per annum; and indemnity of P12,000 to the victims as imposed by the courts,” Santos said.

The foreigner was first brought to the BI on July 21, 2010 and was recommitted to the NBP last March 25.

He was returned to the BI’s custody on April 29 after the Bureau of Corrections reported that he has fully complied with the conditions of his pardon.

Lee’s name was included in the BI’s watchlist of undesirable aliens and perpetually barred from returning to the Philippines.