Nearly a decade after the disappearance and death of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo shocked the Philippines, authorities have arrested former police officer Rafael Dumlao III, a key figure who had remained at large following his conviction.

Dumlao, a former police lieutenant colonel, was arrested around 5 a.m. on June 9, 2026, at a residence in Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, according to Philippine authorities. The operation followed weeks of surveillance and information gathered by investigators.

The case dates back to October 2016, when Jee Ick-Joo, a 53-year-old South Korean businessman living in the Philippines, was taken from his home during what was presented as an anti-drug operation.

Investigators later determined that the incident was connected to a kidnapping scheme. Jee was taken to Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police in Quezon City, where authorities said he was later killed. His remains were subsequently cremated, and investigators were unable to recover them.

The case became one of the Philippines’ most closely watched criminal investigations, particularly because people connected to law enforcement were implicated.

Dumlao was initially acquitted by a lower court. However, the Court of Appeals later reversed that decision and convicted him, imposing a life sentence. The Philippine Supreme Court subsequently affirmed the conviction in 2025.

Despite the ruling, Dumlao remained at large for months.

Investigators eventually tracked him down in Quezon City. Authorities said a major breakthrough came after they monitored activity surrounding his daughter’s recent wedding. Although Dumlao did not attend the ceremony in person, investigators reportedly discovered that he had watched the event through a livestream. That information helped authorities narrow down his location.

When officers entered the residence on June 9, Dumlao was reportedly asleep. A firearm was also recovered from the property, although officials said it was not in his hands when he was arrested.

Following his arrest, Dumlao was transferred to New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to begin serving his sentence.

For Jee Ick-Joo’s family, the arrest marked a significant development in a case that had remained unresolved for years.

The investigation also continues into whether other people helped Dumlao remain out of custody during his time in hiding.

Course: NY Post