CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—A Korean businessman was found dead along the shoreline of Capones Island while his female companion went missing and was now the subject of search and rescue operations launched by authorities here since Saturday.
Changman Lee, 53, of Seoul, was found lying on his belly apparently a result of drowning when search and rescue personnel combed the entire Capones Island. His wife Hyung Jung Lee, 52. remained missing as of press time.
Capones Island is one of the favorite destinations of tourists visiting Subic Freeport.
The Korean couple, owner of Korean Mart at Subic Bay Freeport and temporarily staying at Benictican Housing, reportedly parked their vehicle at Barangay San Miguel and rented a motorboat to Capones Island.
Police said the Korean couple met a certain Wilson Monteza, 61, owner of the motorboat Friday past 3 p.m on Friday (April 16). They asked the boatman to take them to Capones Island.
Monteza told police investigators they reached Capones Island past 5 p.m. He was told by the Koreans to take them back at 8 a.m. the following day but the Koreans failed to show up at the meeting place.
The Korean couple, police said, stayed overnight in the island.
Monteza said he searched the island but was surprised to find the body of Changman some five meters away from the shore. He said he further checked the island to search for the woman but failed to see her.
Police coordinated with the local coast guard for search and rescue operations but they all returned empty handed. The search resumed Sunday.
Changman’s body was brought to Fama Funeral Homes. The Korean Embassy and the victim’s family have been informed of the death.
Police investigators did not rule out foul play while waiting for the result of autopsy.