Yoon asks for Philippines’ support to bring justice to main culprit in 2016 killing of Korean businessman

President Yoon Suk Yeol raised the issue of the 2016 killing of a Korean businessman in the Philippines during his recent summit with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., asking for Manila’s support in arresting and punishing the main culprit on the run, his office said Thursday.

Yoon raised concerns over the issue during his talks with Marcos in Manila last week and asked for enhanced safety measures for Korean citizens, given that 1.45 million Koreans — the highest number among foreign tourists — visited the Philippines last year, according to the office.

In October 2016, South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo was kidnapped for ransom from his home in Angeles City, north of Manila, by local police officers and later killed.

While two accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment in June 2023, Rafael Dumlao, former head of the Philippine National Police’s Anti-illegal Drugs Group who allegedly orchestrated the murder case, was initially acquitted.

In July, an appellate court overturned the acqui
ttal and sentenced Dumlao to life imprisonment without parole. However, Dumlao escaped shortly afterward and his whereabouts remain unknown.

In response, Philippine President Marcos pledged efforts to ensure the safety of Korean nationals and committed to addressing the issue of the fugitive suspect, according to officials familiar with the issue.

“As both leaders have agreed on the issues, we are reviewing potential support measures for the bereaved families and others involved,” a presidential official said.

Source: Yonhap News Agency