Renewed Efforts to Capture Former Police Officer
The Philippine government has launched an intensified manhunt for former police officer Rafael Dumlao III, who remains the prime suspect in the 2016 kidnapping and murder of South Korean national Jee Ick-joo. This renewed focus reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Korean authorities amid growing concerns over crimes targeting foreign visitors.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of this manhunt as part of broader efforts to restore trust between the Philippines and South Korea. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) received a directive to expedite Dumlao’s arrest from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who chairs the commission.
Coordination Meeting with Korean Officials
The directive came ahead of a recent coordination meeting held at Camp Crame on May 22. This high-level gathering brought together Philippine National Police (PNP) officials, Korean Embassy representatives, consular staff, and tourism department officials. The meeting aimed to address organized crime and the increasing threats faced by Korean nationals in the Philippines.
During the discussion, Korean delegates raised concerns about two violent incidents targeting Korean nationals in tourist hotspots like Angeles City and Cebu. One incident involved a robbery and attempted murder in Pampanga on May 7, while the other occurred on April 21. Authorities reported that suspects in the Pampanga case were quickly arrested after being identified through CCTV footage and linked to other local crimes.
Efforts to Strengthen Public Trust and Security
PAOCC officials noted that Bersamin’s order supports the PNP’s ongoing work to rebuild public confidence and enhance collaboration with international partners, especially in high-profile cases involving foreigners. Dumlao, a former anti-drug officer, was implicated in the abduction and killing of Jee Ick-joo inside Camp Crame. Although he was previously detained, he posted bail and was last seen in 2021.
PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, PLTGEN Jose Melecio Nartaez Jr., reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to following all leads and ensuring perpetrators face justice. “This emphasized that the success of every case greatly relies on the continual close coordination of all law enforcement and government agencies, whether at the local or national levels,” PAOCC representatives said.
New Security Measures for Foreign Nationals
To better protect foreign visitors, especially Koreans, the government plans to reinforce its Tourist Security Desk network and install multilingual safety signs at airports and transport terminals. Additionally, police officers, barangay tanods, and tourist patrol units will receive expanded training.
PAOCC officials highlighted that these initiatives aim to prevent future incidents and increase police visibility in popular tourist areas. They also stressed the importance of sharing information and intelligence to boost operational effectiveness. The agencies agreed to implement intelligence-led CCTV deployment focusing on crime-prone zones based on past incidents.
These coordinated efforts underscore the Philippine government’s dedication to safeguarding foreign nationals and improving international cooperation to tackle organized crime.
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