A Korean fugitive escaped while his companion was captured while being escorted for a medical checkup in Pasay last Oct. 29, the Bureau of Immigration said.
The fugitive, Choi Yougseop, is now the object of nationwide manhunt. He is wanted in his own county for fraud, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.
The other Korean fugitive, Jeon Taeksang, was caught by his escort, after having lunch in a restaurant in Pasay City, together with Choi who managed to elude his BI escorts.
The two foreign fugitives were allowed for a medical and dental procedure in a Pasay hospital.
According to BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval, Choi, the two were escorted by officers from the BI’s Warden Facility Protection Unit while eating after a dental check up when one of the guards used the restroom.
The two Koreans took advantage of the situation and attacked their guard before making their break.
“The guards were able to recapture Jeon, but Choi was able to board a getaway vehicle which was waiting for them outside,” said Sandoval.
Both are fugitives in Korea for cases involving fraud, and have been in the Bureau’s blacklist since 2014.
Morente announced that a fact-finding committee was formed to investigate the incident.
“We will ensure that all personnel who may have had a hand on the escape will face appropriate sanctions. We are conducting a thorough probe on the guards assigned to Jeon and Choi,” said Morente.
He said that “heads will roll,” and mentioned that he ordered the immediate relief of WFPU Chief Edward Mabborang pending the results of the investigation.
Morente said that tracker teams were likewise formed to effect the immediate re-arrest of Choi, and that they are in close coordination with the Korean Embassy to gather as much information to assist in locating Choi’s wheareabouts.
We will review our procedures in implementing medical passes, as this may be abused by wards planning to escape,” Morente said.
“The BI will be relentless in this manhunt operation to immediately capture Jeon,” he added.