BI, NBI Re-Arrest Korean Fugitive After Two-Month Manhunt

NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado present two South Korean detainees, Lee Jingyu and In Jaesang, during a press briefing in Pasay City. Also in the photo, on the extreme left, is BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.

BI, NBI Re-Arrest Korean Fugitive After Two-Month Manhunt

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 27, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a significant boost to the government’s crackdown on transnational crime, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully re-apprehended a Korean national who had been at large for two months after escaping government custody. The operation, a joint effort with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), underscores President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts against foreign fugitives.

Lee Jingyu, 32, a Korean national subject to a Summary Deportation Order for undesirability and an Interpol Red Notice for drug smuggling, was re-arrested on the evening of February 26 along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

According to the BI, operatives from its Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), led by Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, and the Intelligence Division–Special Response Team (ID-SRT), conducted the inter-agency manhunt operation. Lee had been on the run since January 1, when he absconded from the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa. Intelligence reports indicated that his movements spanned from Manila to Baguio and other nearby areas in an attempt to evade authorities. His fellow escapee, Yang Heejun, was re-apprehended on January 14.

During Lee’s re-arrest, authorities also detained another Korean national, In Jaesang, 41. In was found allegedly acting as a lookout and escort for Lee in public areas. He was taken into custody after failing to present a valid passport or any immigration documents.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a stern warning following the successful operation. “No fugitive who undermines our laws and abuses our systems will find safety in this country. What he did was a direct challenge to the Bureau—and we have answered it decisively. We will pursue, arrest, and remove any foreign national who threatens public safety and national security,” Viado stated.

Commissioner Viado commended the coordinated efforts of the FSU, ID-SRT, and partner agencies, including Korean authorities, the National Bureau of Investigation–Intelligence Operations Division, the DICT–Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and various government intelligence forces.

Both Lee and In are currently in the custody of the NBI, awaiting further action on their respective deportation charges.

Separate Deportation for Deceptive Investment Scheme Suspect

In a related development, the BI also reported the deportation of 28-year-old Korean national Na Ikhyeon. Na departed the country on an Asiana Airlines flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

Na was wanted in Korea for his alleged involvement in deceptive investment schemes, where he reportedly misled fellow Koreans into investing in non-existent accounts and subsequently withdrew the funds for personal gain with his associates. He was initially arrested by the BI on May 31, 2023, at Clark International Airport while attempting to depart using a counterfeit Philippine passport.