Korean claims bribing BI, PNP officers; Viado says raps filed vs. 3 for escape

The South Korean fugitive who managed to flee from authorities claimed on Tuesday that he paid P6 million to an immigration officer and a police officer to facilitate his escape. 

Na Ikhyeon disclosed this at a hearing of a Senate subcommittee on justice and human rights on the escape of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. 

Na said he directly talked to Paul, who identified himself as a high-ranking officer of the Bureau of Immigration; and Raul, who introduced himself as a policeman to facilitate his escape from BI’s detention. 

“He paid six million to both of them… They personally talked to each other. Raul and Paul said specifically to them that ‘If you trust us I will bail you out from their situation,’” the translator said, relaying Na’s response. 

“Paul said that he was in a high position in the immigration in Intramuros. He said that just trust me on it. Raul was a police,” the South Korean said.

BI Commissioner Joel Viado, who was present during the hearing, said the bureau received a photo of the persons whom they suspected to be Paul and Raul. He said the personalities were not BI employees. 

He said there was no “Paul” who held a ranking position in the BI. 

Viado added no Philippine National Police personnel were detailed in the bureau. 

While there was no information on “Paul” and “Raul”, Viado said they already terminated and filed criminal and administrative charges against three BI personnel who allegedly helped the South Korean fugitive during his escape. 

'Paid thrice for escape'

Na told the committee that it was already the third time that he shelled out money to facilitate his escape. 

In his first attempt in 2023, a fellow South Korean named Kim Song Hwan also received P8 million from him. 

“Starting 2023 June, he paid P8 million. He paid a Korean,” the translator said.  

“The Korean promised him he would bail him out from the Philippines… He wasn’t able to escape,” the translator added, relaying Na’s testimonies. 

The said South Korean who received P8 million allegedly worked in a casino in Clark, Pampanga, but has since “ran away to Malaysia.” 

The second attempt was in November 2023 when Na was promised to be transferred to San Fernando, Pampanga. The plan failed.

The third time was the recent incident on March 4, when Na successfully escaped allegedly with the help of immigration personnel during a hearing in Quezon City.

Na, 28, was arrested in May 2023, but his deportation was delayed due to the estafa case filed against him by a Filipina. During his March 4 hearing, he escaped, prompting a manhunt.

He was rearrested on March 9 in Barangay Pampang in Angeles City, Pampanga through an operation conducted by the BI Fugitive Search Unit and Intelligence Division, in coordination with other authorities.

Immigration officers implicated

Viado said they found out that Na was seen fleeing from the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City via a BI vehicle with the help of the three immigration officers who escorted him to his hearing. 

“Nakita namin na itong si Na Ikhyeon ay nakitang tumatakbo mula sa establishment, tumawid ng kalsada at sumakay sa isang van,” Viado said. 

The establishment that the BI chief was referring to is the Pegasus Club and Restaurant along Quezon Avenue. 

Josephine Raymundo, manager of the club, told the Senate panel that they already provided the subcommittee with copies of the CCTV footage “capturing the entrance of Na Ikhyeon’s visit” in their establish on March 4. 

According to Raymundo, she noticed that there were individuals staying in their waiting lounge during that day, but she cannot confirm if the South Korean fugitive was among them. 

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who divulged Na’s escape to the public, urged the BI to get a copy of Pegasus’ CCTV footage to utilize it in their legal charges against involved individuals.

Viado said the bureau was open to getting copies of the CCTV footage from the club. 

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed dismay over the incident and urged the BI to pursue jail time for individuals involved in Na’s escape to deter the “bad eggs” within the organization from doing the same in the future. 

“Nakakadismaya na may ganitong empleyado na nasisilaw sa pera at gagawa ng paraan para itakas ang ganitong kriminal. Akala nila ganon kasimple lang na makakatakas sila. Ang kinakatakutan ko, baka marami pa tayong ganitong tao na nasa loob ng BI,” Gatchalian said. 

Responding to the senator’s concern, Viado said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla already issued a directive that would allow BI detainees to attend court hearings via videoconferencing. 

An agreement with the Bureau of Corrections has already been signed for the transfer of the BI detainees to a bigger detention facility in Bicutan.

With this agreement with BuCor, Viado said the BI personnel’s friendly ties with the detainees would be avoided. 

The BI chief proposed body-worn cameras for BI personnel who will escort their detainees outside their detention facilities. 

Further, Viado said they will no longer allow BI personnel, who are hired through job orders, to escort detainees. –NB, GMA Integrated News