Korean fugitive paid P14M for escape in Manila

A Korean fugitive named Na Ik-hyeon has revealed that he paid P14 million for help in escaping from custody. He testified in a Senate investigation regarding Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). Na shared that he first tried to arrange his escape in June 2023 through a fellow Korean, Kim Song-hwan, but this attempt failed. Na claimed he paid Kim P8 million, but Kim did not deliver on his promise. Later, in November 2023, two men known as “Paul” and “Raul,” who claimed to work for the Bureau of Immigration (BI), approached him with another escape plan for P6 million. Na has now been recaptured after his escape on March 4, which was his third attempt. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that the two people who allegedly helped Na are being investigated and have been dismissed from the service. Viado assured lawmakers that the investigation extends beyond those individuals. During the Senate hearing, the issue of BI policies came under scrutiny. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed frustration after learning that 21 Chinese nationals, who were supposed to be deported, disappeared during a layover in Malaysia. He indicated that these individuals likely went to Cambodia, a known area for scams. The senators discussed the BI's policy allowing deportees to book their own transit flights. They questioned why direct flights to their home countries were not mandated. Hontiveros emphasized that allowing connecting flights facilitates the escape of undesirable individuals, raising concerns about potential illegal activities. Viado acknowledged that current laws do not prohibit direct flights for deportees but argued that costs need to be considered. Hontiveros challenged this reasoning, insisting that stricter measures should be taken to prevent further issues.