A South Korean who was wanted for fraud was rearrested in Angeles City, Pampanga five days after he escaped allegedly with the help of his guards, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday.

Na Ihkyeon, 28, escaped last March 4 after a preliminary hearing on an estafa case in Quezon City. He was arrested last May 2023.

At a press briefing, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that Na was found in a residential area in Barangay. Pampang, Angeles City.

BI agents also arrested his cohort Kang Changbeom who aided Na's escape based on CCTV footage and other intelligence information.

"Verification with the Korean National Police Agency also revealed that Kang is also a fugitive wanted in South Korea for fraud", Viado said.

The arrested individuals will be transferred to BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City "but special arrangements will be made for increased security as they are now tagged as high-risk detainees with intent to escape".

Viado clarified that Na did not escape through a restroom but was assisted by three personnel of BI.

The two contractual employees were immediately terminated while Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued the termination of the third employee on Friday. Criminal charges were filed against the three.

Na was apprehended through the joint efforts of the Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) and Intelligence Division, City Intelligence Unit, Police Station 4 Angeles, the Regional Special Operations Unit PRO 3, the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group, and the Naval Intelligence and Security Group Northern Luzon. Marie Nicole Manalili/DMS