South Korean arrested after 10-month manhunt

A SOUTH Korean national wanted for fraud was arrested on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, after a 10-month manhunt by Philippine authorities.

Joint elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Intelligence Division, Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 14, San Mateo Police and Baguio City Police collared Song Yangrae, 45, at his residence in Salinungan West, San Mateo, Isabela.

Song is reportedly the subject of a Red Notice issued by Interpol Seoul, Republic of Korea on January 15, 2016, after allegedly defrauding four Korean victims of around US$360,000 (435.8 million KRW).

He was found engaging in a gainful occupation in the country without the proper permits when he and 11 other Koreans were caught in the act of selling mobile phone accessories at their stalls at the Korea Town along Friendship Highway in Angeles.

He was first arrested in January 2016 but escaped detention in January 2020, and went into hiding until his whereabouts were discovered through manhunt operations initiated by BI Intelligence Agents, IA II Carlito Bautista, executive officer, IA II Jude Hinolan, Calabarzon head, IA I Armelo De Castro, Southwestern Tagalog Region head, and IA Maristela Gandamra.

According to reports, Song’s last known address was in Lubao, Pampanga, but he transferred to San Mateo, Isabela in an attempt to evade authorities. He has reportedly been hiding in Isabela with his girlfriend for more than nine months.

In January, the BI ordered a manhunt against Song, who escaped from a restroom in Floridablanca, Pampanga while being guarded by agents of the BI’s Warden Facility.

Song was transported on Thursday to the BI’s Main Office in Intramuros while awaiting results of swab testing before being committed to their detention center in Bicutan, Taguig.

He is set to be deported and included in BI’s blacklist for being a fugitive from justice and for violating Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente lauded the efforts of BI’s Intelligence Agents in the successful recapture of Song.

“Let this serve as a warning to illegal aliens and foreign fugitives. The Philippines is not a sanctuary for wanted criminals. Get out of our country, you are not welcome here,” said Morente. “The long arm of the law is bound to catch you.”

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