Korean fugitive escapes BI jail

MANILA, Philippines - A Korean man, wanted for extortion in his country, escaped from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) jail in Bicutan, Taguig City Tuesday morning.

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison has ordered a manhunt for Cho Seongdae, who also faces a robbery charge in Cavite, BI spokesperson Elaine Tan said in a statement.

BI jail warden L’Rev dela Cruz, who has been at his post for two years, and jail personnel on duty at the time of the escape are under investigation, Tan added.

The BI is also investigating how Cho managed to escape undetected. He was discovered missing at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday, Tan said. 

Cho was taken into BI custody on Sept. 11 following a summary deportation order dated Sept. 9. He was deemed an undesirable alien due to allegations he extorted $23,500 from his victims.

Tan said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and the Korean embassy have been informed of the escape.