Korean fugitive recaptured in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A Korean fugitive who escaped the custody of authorities two months ago has been recaptured, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the Korean national, identified as 52-year-old Choi Youngseop, was recaptured last December 19.

He said Choi was apprehended outside the emergency room of the Manila Doctor’s Hospital in Ermita, Manila where he had gone for a medical check-up.

BI Intelligence Officer Edward Mabborang, who led the arresting team, said the arrest of Choi was made possible by  informants who tipped authorities that the foreigner was scheduled to undergo a medical check-up at the said hospital.

Morente said Choi will be deported immediately following a deportation order issued by the BI’s Board of Commissioners.

“This time, we will make sure that he does not escape,” Morente said. “He will be sent back to Korea so he can be held liable for crimes he committed in his homeland.”

The bureau noted that Choi has been placed under the agency’s wanted list since 2014 after the Interpol informed the BI that a Korean court charged him with fraud for swindling his victims more than $500,000.

Choi was arrested in March by the BI’s fugitive search unit.

READ: BI nabs South Korean fugitive in Pasay City hotel

The BI said Choi and another Korean national, Jeon Taeksang, escaped last October 29 from the custody of the jail guards who escorted them from their detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig for a dental check-up.

The guards and the two foreigners, according to the BI, were eating at a restaurant when one of the guards used the restroom. The Korean nationals saw an opportunity to attack the other guard and escape.

However, 50-year-old Jeon was intercepted and failed to escape while Choi managed to flee on board a getaway vehicle waiting outside the establishment.

Both Choi and Jeon are currently detained at the Bicutan Detention Center pending their deportation. /ee