BI suspends, fires staff linked to Na Ikhyeon escape; fugitive re-arrested

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado on Thursday, March 6, ordered the preventive suspension and immediate dismissal of all immigration personnel linked to the escape of high-profile South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon.

On Sunday morning, BI announced it had re-arrested Na in a residential area in Brgy. Pampang, Angeles City, with assistance from various law enforcement units including its Fugitive Search Unit and Intelligence Division.

Kang Changbeom, suspected of aiding Na's escape, was also apprehended and is wanted for fraud in South Korea based on CCTV footage and intelligence information.

Three BI staff members who aided Na’s escape have been terminated, while Kang will be transferred to the BI detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa with special arrangements for heightened security due to their high-risk status.

Na remains a fugitive in South Korea for alleged deceptive investments and is involved in an estafa case filed by a Filipino jewelry shop owner; the BI continues full coordination with Senate and law enforcement agencies.