By Gabriel Kim Leal
(March 9, 2025) – South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon has been re-arrested in Pampanga just five days after he escaped from custody, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Sunday.
Na, 28, was found hiding in a residential area in Brgy. Pampang, Angeles City, in a joint operation by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit and Intelligence Division, the Philippine National Police, and the Naval Intelligence and Security Group.
The fugitive was initially arrested in May 2023, but his deportation was put on hold due to an estafa case filed against him by a Filipina. On March 4, during a court hearing, he managed to escape through a restroom, triggering a manhunt.
“Kapag po ang isang tao na nakasuhan ng immigration law violation at nakasuhan din ng kasong kriminal, ang immigration proceedings po will give way to the criminal proceedings. So kahit na meron na pong order… para i-deport ang isang alien, kapag may pending na criminal case ‘yan, hindi matutuloy ang deportation,” said BI commissioner Joel Viado in a media conference.
Authorities also arrested Kang Changbeom, who allegedly helped Na in his escape. Kang is also a wanted fugitive in South Korea for fraud, according to the Korean National Police Agency.
Viado said both men will be detained at the BI facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, under stricter security measures, as they are now considered high-risk detainees.
He confirmed that several BI personnel accused of aiding Na’s escape have been dismissed from service. While he did not name them, he assured that they would face legal consequences.
“Meron na po naka-file na criminal complaint laban sa kanila. Hindi lang po termination ang hinaharap nitong mga taong ito. As a matter of fact, sabay ang pag-file namin ng kasong administratiba at kriminal,” added Viado.
(AAD)
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