BI chief says ‘heads will roll’ over South Korean fugitive escape

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado ordered Thursday the preventive suspension of all immigration personnel allegedly linked to the escape of a high-profile South Korean fugitive earlier this week.

On Thursday, Viado warned “heads will roll” after suspect Na Ikhyeon, 28, escaped authorities after attending a hearing for an estafa case at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, March 4. 

The BI has launched a manhunt operation for the South Korean. 

“This is a direct and undeniable breach of duty. Walang palusot, walang sisihan — lahat ng sangkot mananagot,” Viado said in a press statement.

(This is a direct and undeniable breach of duty. We will accept no excuses or blame — everyone involved will be held accountable.)

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

The BI announced on Wednesday that it initiated a manhunt operation to determine the whereabouts of Na, who is wanted in his country for deceptive fraud after encouraging victims to invest in non-existent accounts. He and his partners then withdrew the investments for their gain.

The 28-year-old suspect was nabbed in May 2023, but his deportation was deferred pending the resolution of his estafa case filed by a Filipina. Na attended a hearing on the case on March 4 but escaped authorities using the court restroom. 

"This is a turning point for the Bureau. Hindi na pwede 'yung nakagawian ng kalokohan. Those who think they can get away with this should think again," said Viado. 

(This is a turning point for the Bureau. Those who think they can get away with these foolishness should think again.)

"We will expose, punish, and remove anyone who betrays the trust of this institution and the Filipino,” he added. 

An internal audit on all personnel assigned to high-risk deportation and detention cases is also underway, according to the BI chief. He also said the Immigration Bureau will extend full cooperation with the Senate and law enforcement agencies in bringing all guilty parties to justice. — Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News