BI nabs Korean fugitive

MANILA, Philippines - A Korean man, wanted in his country for robbery, has been arrested by agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

Key personalities are reportedly lobbying with the BI to stop the deportation of Lee Sang Te, BI spokesman Elaine Tan said yesterday.

Tan said agents of the BI intelligence division have been receiving calls from “influential” people asking them not to deport Lee.

Lee, who had long been under BI surveillance, has been staying in the country since May 12, 2009.

The Korean embassy sought Lee’s deportation for his involvement in robbery and other crimes in Korea.

The Korean government has cancelled his passport, making his stay in the country illegal.

Lee was arrested by the BI at a hotel and casino in Angeles City, Pampanga on Wednesday.

Tan said Lee tried to delay his arrest and requested that he be taken to the hospital because he was sick.

The BI is working on Lee’s deportation proceedings, Tan said.

Warden sacked

Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison relieved the warden of the BI detention facility in Taguig following the escape of Korean Cho Seongdae on Tuesday.

L’Rev de la Cruz was relieved along with four other BI security personnel.

De la Cruz was replaced by Isidro Tayag.

Mison asked the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel investigation into Cho’s escape.