The Department of Justice (DOJ) will not order an investigation or take action on reports that a South Korean national allegedly planned to escape from New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City using a drone capable of carrying a person unless credible and verifiable information is presented.
Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said Thursday the Korean national referred to in the reports has already been turned over to South Korean authorities and has been in their custody since March.
“If we are referring to the same Korean national, that Korean national has already been turned over and in the custody of the Republic of Korea since March of this year,” Dato said during a press conference.
He said the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is equipped to prevent such incidents and cited BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang’s statement that no escape attempt involving the inmate was discovered or made while he was detained at Bilibid.
“There has never been any attempt, known attempt or any discovered attempt. So, we really do not know where that information is coming from,” Dato said.
Dato also declined to comment on reports from South Korean media that the inmate allegedly received VIP treatment while detained, including access to air conditioning, television and a mobile phone.
“The Department will seriously look into any matter that is brought before it, but based on credible information,” he said.
“But if such information is made outside the Philippines and from sources which are not even verifiable at this point, then it would be premature for the Department to commit to any action,”Dato added.
South Korean media reported that the inmate allegedly spent about 100 million won, or roughly $74,000, preparing an escape using a drone reportedly capable of carrying up to 75 kilograms.
The reports also alleged that associates conducted test flights and previously considered an armed ambush of a vehicle transporting him from prison.
The Korean national was convicted in the Philippines in 2022 and sentenced to 60 years in prison for the killing of three South Koreans in 2016.#