BI mum on Korean fugitive freed by Palace

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has decided to keep mum on the issue involving the deportation of a Korean fugitive wanted by the International Criminal Police (Interpol). 

In a statement, BI spokesperson Elaine Tan said the bureau is not in a position to discuss the case of Ja Hoon Ku since the Office of the President has the final say on deportation proceedings being handled by the bureau.

Ja had to be freed from government custody and allowed to stay in the country while his appeal was being reviewed, Malacañang said earlier.

He had filed an appeal with the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, questioning the BI order.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. had ordered the Korean’s turnover to the custody of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

A civil engineer, Ja reportedly helped establish INC’s chapter in South Korea and is one of the contractors of the religious group’s Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

The Korean embassy had requested the BI to arrest and deport Ja for allegedly stealing $200 million from Phildip Korea Co. Ltd.

Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison ordered his deportation following his arrest in January.