Korean Fugitive Who Escaped Immigration Detention on New Year's Eve Nabbed After 2-Month Manhunt — With Ketamine in His Pocket
South Korean fugitive Lee Jingyu, who escaped from the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Muntinlupa during the New Year celebrations in January 2026, has finally been recaptured after a nearly two-month manhunt. And to make things worse for him, authorities found ketamine in his possession at the time of arrest.
The joint operation was carried out by the NBI International Operations Division and the BI Fugitive Search Unit. Lee's fellow Korean national, believed to have been his lookout, was also arrested. Lee was one of two Korean detainees who slipped away from BI detention during the New Year festivities — clearly taking advantage of the holiday chaos.
BI Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Sy described the operation as particularly challenging because Lee had support from local groups who were protecting him. "Palipat-lipat siya ng safe house," Sy said, explaining that the fugitive kept moving between hideouts, which is why they had to coordinate with the NBI for backup.
The breakthrough came from NBI informants. Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said they received intelligence that turned positive, and ironically, Lee was hiding near the NBI office itself. According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, Lee is the subject of an Interpol red notice for drug smuggling and other offenses — making his capture important not just for the Philippines but for South Korea as well.
Lee has undergone inquest proceedings for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Authorities are now investigating who helped facilitate his escape from the BI facility earlier this year. The man ran, hid for two months, and still got caught with drugs on him — hindi talaga natuto.
Source: GMA News
