Quezon city: Dismissed police officer Rafael Dumlao, associated with the 2016 abduction and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo, was apprehended in Quezon City on Tuesday. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) spearheaded the operation, which took place at around 5 a.m. in Barangay Pasong Tamo, following a warrant issued by a local court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Remulla emphasized the operation's significance in demonstrating the government's resolve to uphold the law and enforce court decisions. He stated, "The PNP acted in accordance with its mandate and the arrest sent a strong message that nobody is above the law, regardless of rank, position, or former authority." The CIDG tracked Dumlao after gathering intelligence related to his daughter's wedding, which Dumlao monitored via livestream.
Dumlao was alone at the time of his arrest and is believed to have been residing in the area for some time. Authorities are now probing the individuals who potentially aided Dumlao during his time in hiding, including the homeowner, the registered owner of a firearm found during the operation, and others with whom he maintained contact.
Remulla assured that the arrest was conducted lawfully, affirming that Dumlao's rights were respected and no harm was inflicted upon him. With Dumlao's conviction established, the next step involves enforcing the court's judgment and determining his place of detention. Forensic examination will be conducted on the laptop and mobile phone seized during the arrest.
In his remarks, Remulla highlighted that Dumlao's status as a former police officer did not shield him from the law, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of the institution over individual protection. He added that South Korean officials, including Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa and President Lee Jae Myung, along with Jee's widow, Choi Kyung-jin, have been informed of Dumlao's capture.
Jee Ick-joo, a pharmaceutical executive, was wrongfully arrested in 2016 under the pretense of an anti-illegal drug operation, which was later revealed to be a kidnapping for ransom scheme. Dumlao, then a senior official of the disbanded Anti-Illegal Drugs Group, was implicated in the crime that led to Jee's murder at Camp Crame.
The incident led to significant changes within the PNP, including the disbandment of the AIDG and its replacement by the Drug Enforcement Group. Dumlao's legal journey saw him initially acquitted in 2023, with the Court of Appeals overturning this decision in 2024, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua. The Supreme Court upheld the appellate court's decision in June 2025, dismissing all of Dumlao's appeals.
Remulla concluded by warning against the misuse of law enforcement authority, citing Jee's murder as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of such abuses.
