Supreme Court Upholds Verdict Against Dumlao in Korean Murder Case
The Supreme Court has firmly denied the petitions filed by former police official Lt. Col. Rafael Dumlao III, who is accused as the mastermind behind the 2016 murder of Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo. This decision reinforces the high court’s stance against Dumlao’s attempts to overturn his conviction.
This ruling, dated June 30, 2025, came from the Supreme Court’s Second Division. It responded directly to Dumlao’s appeals challenging the Court of Appeals’ decision, which nullified his previous acquittal and convicted him for the killing of Jee Ick-Joo. The keyphrase “Dumlao Korean murder case” is central to this ongoing legal battle.
The Supreme Court dismissed Dumlao’s petition for an injunction and request for a temporary restraining order, citing insufficient evidence of grave abuse of discretion in the questioned resolution. Furthermore, the court denied the petition for review on certiorari, stating that Dumlao failed to present any compelling reason that would justify the court’s discretionary power to revisit the Court of Appeals’ ruling.
Manhunt for Dumlao Continues Relentlessly
Authorities remain steadfast in their pursuit of Dumlao. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently reaffirmed that the manhunt for Dumlao Korean murder case suspect is still active. This follows a directive from PAOCC Chairperson and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who intensified efforts after consulting with Korean community representatives about safety concerns.
The government has placed a P1-million reward for any credible information that leads to Dumlao’s arrest. This incentive underscores the urgency and seriousness with which officials are treating the case.
Legal Penalties and Background
The Court of Appeals sentenced Dumlao to reclusion perpetua without the possibility of parole. Additionally, the court ordered him to pay damages amounting to P350,000 for kidnapping with homicide and P225,000 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Reports say that Jee Ick-Joo was strangled inside his vehicle parked at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. After his death, his remains were cremated and, shockingly, his ashes were disposed of by flushing them down a toilet.
In 2018, the PNP found Dumlao guilty of grave misconduct related to Jee’s murder and dismissed him from the police force. Despite this, an Angeles City court allowed Dumlao to post bail in 2019 after prosecutors allegedly failed to present enough evidence of his guilt at that time.
The Dumlao Korean Murder Case and Justice Pursued
This case remains a significant example of the ongoing fight against corruption and abuse within law enforcement. It also highlights the challenges faced by the justice system in holding powerful individuals accountable. The continued pursuit of Dumlao serves as a reminder that justice can prevail despite obstacles.
For more news and updates on the Dumlao Korean murder case, visit Filipinokami.com.