9 BI jail guards sacked over escape of 2 Korean fugitives

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente has relieved nine jail guards following the escape of two Korean fugitives on Monday.
(Photo: Simon Brass/Flickr)

MANILA—Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente has relieved nine jail guards following the escape of two Korean fugitives on Monday.

With this, Morente directed the sacked guards at its detention center in Bicutan, Taguig City, to explain in 72 hours why no administrative and criminal charges should be filed against them.

The Koreans were identified as Park Wang Yeol, 38, and Jung Jae Yul, 38, who allegedly escaped by forcibly opening the ceiling and rooftop of their detention cell and scaling the fence surrounding the detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa.

Morente noted that a fact-finding body headed by Atty. Henry Tubban, BI legal officer, was already formed to investigate the jailbreak.

At the same time, he ordered a massive manhunt for the escapees and also sought the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“We also appeal to the public to give us any information on their whereabouts so they can be recaptured and immediately deported to Korea where they are wanted to stand trial for their crimes,” the BI chief said in a statement.

“The public may call (02) 465-2400 loc. 213, 226 and (02) 524-37-69 or text (+63) 917 573-3871, (+63) 908 894-6646 or email us at immigph@gmail.com for any information,” he added.

At the same time, Morente also alerted immigration officers in all the international airports and seaports to apprehend the Koreans if they are spotted attempting to flee the country.

In their report, the jail guards on-duty said they only learned that the detainees had disappeared after another Korean detainee informed them of the escape.