“Korean mastermind” still in Phl

CEBU, Philippines - Now certain that the person they are pursuing is the syndicate mastermind, police in Central Visayas are coordinating with the different agencies for the possible arrest of a Korean national who allegedly masterminded the series of  carnapping incidents in metro Cebu recently.

“Usa na gyu’y among nabantayan that this certain Mr. Lim is the mastermind of all these carnapping incidents that happened in Metro Cebu,” said Supt. Pablo Labra II.

Labra, acting chief of the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, said they have kept in touch with the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) to check whether Lim Ho Sung alias “Mr. Lim”, the alleged mastermind of the syndicate, has gone out of the country.

“We asked help from the BID to monitor if he’s gone out of  Cebu or of the country. So far, wa pa siya nigawas, (So far, he still hasn’t left the country.)” said Labra.

However, Labra said they are also yet to verify if “Lim Ho Sung” is indeed Mr. Lim because there were a number of Koreans bearing the same name when they checked with the BID. They are now looking for his birth date.

Labra said they are also coordinating with the International Police (Interpol) who shall verify with the police in Korea regarding Lim’s background, including that of the five other Koreans arrested and Cho Hyun Cher, his alleged co-mastermind.

“We asked Interpol to coordinate with the Korean police as to the records of these people. But here, wala man sila’y derogatory records sa BID. Probably, may mga the same incidents sa Korea that’s why we’re checking,” Labra said.

According to the RID acting chief, they are still setting aside the filing of charges against Lim as they are still gathering stronger evidence to pin him down.

He said they are doing the same for Cho alias “Mr. Chu”, who recently appeared before them to clear his name from the accusation that he is Lim’s co-mastermind.

“Cho is not off the hook yet because the arrested person mentioned his name with Mr. Lim as the one who would pile up the carnapped vehicles and gave instructions to these people na mangarnap ug Starex vans,” said Labra.

Labra added that they are also keeping in touch with the Korean community, which informed them that Mr. Lim was still sighted the night before they were able to arrest syndicate members Kim Jhe Young and Hong Seo Yong and Filipino cohort Raphael Montilla.

The PRO 7, with the joint effort of the Mandaue City Police Office and the Highway Patrol Group 7, were able to recover 13 stolen Starex vans which the Koreans reportedly stole since January in the different areas mostly in Mandaue City.  (FREEMAN)