MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration said it has already initiated a manhunt for South Korean Na Ikhyeon, who escaped from authorities on Wednesday.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Viado ordered the manhunt against Na, who fled even while his lawyer was there.

The BI noted that Na was able to elude authorities through the court’s restroom.

“We are investigating if his counsel has knowledge of this seemingly pre-planned incident,” Viado said.

The bureau also said criminal and administrative cases are being prepared against the BI escorts as part of a one-strike policy on erring employees.

Four contractual personnel have also been terminated due to possible negligence, according to the BI.

The bureau said Na is wanted in Korea for his alleged involvement in deceptive investments and misleading his fellow Koreans by directing them to invest in non-existent accounts.

The BI arrested Na in May 2023. He had been held at the BI’s facility while awaiting his deportation.

His deportation was however deferred pending the resolution of an estafa case against him at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Viado added they are filing charges against those who may have aided Na in his escape.

“We have also assigned a special tracker team to locate him and again take custody,” Viado said.

Viado added that the tracker team initially reported that they have solid leads on Na.

Despite being in office for only 156 days, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has already implemented significant reforms within the Bureau of Immigration.  

He assured the public that this incident is being thoroughly addressed and that the BI is already taking steps to find Na.