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'Heads will roll' on escape of South Korean fugitive -- Commissioner Viado

Philippines | National

'Heads will roll' on escape of South Korean fugitive -- Commissioner Viado

By Jeffrey Damicog

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado on Thursday, March 6, has assured that heads will roll following the escape of a South Korean fugitive last March 4 in Quezon City.

South Korean national Na Ikhyeon, 38, was escorted by immigration personnel at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office to face an estafa case that was filed a Filipina jewelry shop owner who claimed that the foreigner failed to remit to her the sale of jewelry despite repeated demandss.

The South Korean national managed to escape his escorts after having went to a bathroom.

“This is a turning for the Bureau. Hindi na pwede ‘yung nakagawian na kalokohan (We will no longer allow the usual mischiefs). Those who think they can get away with this should think again,” Viado said.

“We will expose, punish, and remove anyone who betrays the trust of this institution and the Filipino people,” he declared.

The South Korean is wanted in his country for alleged deceptive investments. Na was arrested by BI operatives on May 31, 2023 and could not be deported immediately because of the estafa case filed by a jewelry shop owner.

Viado said he has ordered an internal audit of all personnel assigned to high-risk deportation and detention cases to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent future breaches.

“This (Na's escape) is a direct and undeniable breach of duty. Walang palusot, walant sisihan, lahat ng sangkot mananagot (There will be no excuses and blaming, everyone involved will be held accountable),” said Viado who has already ordered a manhunt for the South Korean escapee.

“We will not tolerate negligence, corruption, or collusion within our ranks,” he warned.

Related Tags

Bureau of Immigration

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