President Lee Jae-myung expressed gratitude to Philippine authorities following the arrest of a key suspect in the murder of Korean businessman Ji Ik-joo, who was killed in the Philippines in 2016.
On June 9, President Lee announced on social media platform X that a former local police officer, who was involved in the murder of a South Korean citizen, had been apprehended after months of investigation. He thanked the Philippine authorities for their efforts, adding, "I appreciate the hard work of the police, the National Intelligence Service, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rafael Dumlao, the main suspect in Ji's case, was arrested by local police in Manila on the same day.
Dumlao, a former team leader in the Philippine National Police's Drug Enforcement Agency, is accused of kidnapping Ji from his home in Angeles City in October 2016, along with subordinate officers, and subsequently murdering him at a police facility.
He evaded capture during the investigation but was located and arrested nearly one year and nine months later, following the issuance of an arrest warrant in September 2024 and collaborative efforts between the South Korean Embassy in the Philippines, the Korean Desk, and the Philippine police.
The case has been highlighted as a significant example of violent crime against Koreans in the Philippines and has been a major diplomatic issue between the two countries.
During his state visit to the Philippines in March, President Lee discussed the case at a meeting with the Korean community and urged for swift action in apprehending the suspects. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his commitment to resolving the case, while President Lee mentioned that the South Korean government was considering support measures.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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