SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has condemned the complicity of Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials in the escape of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon, calling it a symptom of persistent corruption within the agency.

“Kumpirmado nga ang CCTV: hindi lang basta nakatakas ang puganteng Koreano mula sa Bureau of Immigration, sadya siyang pinatakas,” Hontiveros said, emphasizing that the fugitive was intentionally released rather than having merely escaped.

Na, who is wanted in South Korea for fraud, had been detained in the Philippines since May 2023 due to a separate estafa case filed by a Filipina.

He was supposed to be deported but managed to flee during a court appearance on March 4, allegedly with the assistance of immigration personnel.

Hontiveros raised concerns that had the incident not been publicly exposed, authorities might not have launched a manhunt.

“Kahit naaresto na siya ulit, nakakabahala na kung hindi pa pala natin isiniwalat sa publiko ang impormasyon ng pagtakas nitong pugante ay baka hindi pa nagkaroon ng manhunt,” she said.

The senator is set to pursue the issue in an upcoming Senate Subcommittee hearing, where she plans to subpoena additional CCTV footage, including recordings from inside an establishment named Pegasus, which may have been involved in the incident.

“Ipapa-subpoena ko ang mga CCTV footage, kasama na ang CCTV sa loob ng Pegasus, dahil posibleng doon nagkaroon ng transaksyon,” she stated.

She called on Immigration Commissioner Norman Viado to hold those responsible accountable, stressing that officials involved should face the strictest penalties, including possible criminal charges under Article 223 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Magkaroon naman sana ng konting hiya itong mga kawani ng gobyerno,” she added, urging immigration personnel to uphold their duties with integrity.

The BI has since recaptured Na and another fugitive, Kang Changbeom, in Angeles City, Pampanga, following a five-day manhunt.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Camille P. Balagtas