BI finalizes termination of 3 workers who aided Korean’s escape

INQUIRER file photo / ALEXIS CORPUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Three Bureau of Immigration (BI) employees were terminated for reportedly aiding the escape of the South Korean fugitive, who slipped past Philippine authorities during his court hearing last March 4.

In a press conference on Sunday, BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado did not identify the three but revealed CCTV footage showed that these employees helped 28-year-old Na Ikhyeon escape authorities.

“This morning, we also wish to share an update on the three BI employees who obviously aided Na’s escape, as evidenced by the CCTV footage we have gathered. The two contractual employees have been terminated right after this escape, while the case of the permanent employee has been elevated to the Department of Justice,” Viado said.

READ: South Korean fugitive rearrested in Pampanga after 5-day chase

“We received an update from the Department of Justice that on Friday, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remullia released the termination of the third employee involved in this incident,” he added.

According to Viado, Na was apprehended five days after he eluded arrest.

READ: BI sacks men for aiding Korean fugitive to escape

He added that Na’s cohort identified as Kang Chang Byeong was also arrested. Viado said Kang was believed to have facilitated the fugitive’s escape.

“He (Na) was found hiding in a residential area in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga,” the BI official revealed.

Earlier, the agency revealed that Na is wanted in his country for deceptive investments. He was arrested on May 31, 2023, and was held in its facility while awaiting deportation.

However, 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.