Following his controversial escape last March 4, The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the successful re-arrest of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon.
According to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, Na was apprehended through the joint efforts of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit headed by Rendel Ryan Sy and Intelligence Division under Fortunato Manahan, Jr., in coordination with the City Intelligence Unit, Police Station 4 Angeles, the Regional Special Operations Unit PRO 3, the PNP-Intelligence Group, and the Naval Intelligence and Security Group Northern Luzon.
She said Na was found hiding in a residential area in Brgy. Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga. Also arrested was his cohort, Kang Changbeom.
It was learned that Kang aided Na’s escape, as supported by CCTV footage and other intelligence information gathered by authorities. Further verification with the Korean National Police Agency confirmed that Kang is also a wanted fugitive in South Korea for fraud.
Sandoval said both fugitives will be transferred to the BI detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. Given their escape attempt, special arrangements will be made to ensure heightened security, as they are now tagged as high-risk detainees with intent to escape.
Additionally, Sandoval said the BI provides an update on the three employees found to have facilitated Na’s escape, as evidenced by CCTV footage. Two contractual employees were immediately terminated following the incident, while the case of the permanent employee was escalated to the Department of Justice (DOJ). On Friday, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued the termination of the third employee involved in the escape.
