South Korean fugitive rearrested in Pampanga after 5-day chase

INQUIRER file photo / ALEXIS CORPUZ

MANILA, Philippines — The South Korean fugitive who slipped past Philippine authorities during his court hearing last March 4 was rearrested in Angeles City, Pampanga, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said 28-year-old Na Ikhyeon was apprehended five days after he eluded arrest. Authorities also arrested Na’s cohort identified as Kang Chang Byeong believed to have facilitated the fugitive’s escape.

“He was found hiding in a residential area in Barangay, Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga,” Viado said in a press conference on Sunday morning.

READ: BI in pursuit of Korean who escaped during trial

Earlier, BI revealed that Na is wanted in his country for deceptive investments.

The agency said he was arrested on May 31, 2023, and was held in its facility while awaiting deportation.

But Na’s deportation was deferred pending the resolution of an estafa case filed by a Filipino complainant against him before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

The BI said the suspect attended a hearing on March 4, during which he escaped from authorities.