South Korean fugitive rearrested in Parañaque — security lapse or swift recovery?
Margret Dianne Fermin • Ipinost noong 2026-02-27 14:52:42
MANILA, Philippines — February 27, 2026 — A South Korean fugitive who escaped from government custody earlier this year has been rearrested in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed Friday.
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Lee Jingyu, who was apprehended along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Tambo on February 26. Lee had been on the run since January 1, when he and fellow detainee Yang Heejun escaped from the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa. Yang was recaptured on January 14, but Lee managed to evade authorities for more than a month.
Lee is the subject of a summary deportation order for undesirability and is listed under an Interpol Red Notice for drug smuggling and aggravated assault. He was presented to the media during a joint press conference at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters by NBI Director Melvin A.
Matibag and BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado. “This rearrest was a collaboration between the NBI and the BI, and we are grateful for the coordinated efforts that led to his capture,” Viado said.
The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit and the NBI’s International Operations Division spearheaded the manhunt, which culminated in Thursday night’s arrest. Authorities also confirmed that Lee’s alleged accomplice, identified as In Jaesang, was previously caught acting as a lookout and failed to present valid travel documents.
Lee’s escape had raised concerns about detention security, prompting the BI to tighten protocols at its warden facility. Officials assured the public that measures are now in place to prevent similar incidents. “We will not allow fugitives to undermine our justice system. Those who attempt to flee will be tracked down and brought back to face the law,” Matibag emphasized.
The South Korean national will remain in custody while deportation proceedings continue. His case underscores the Philippines’ ongoing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in tracking fugitives wanted abroad.
Image from the Bureau of Immigration