Jee Ick-Joo, a South Korean businessman, along with his house helper, was reportedly kidnapped by two unidentified men from Jee's residence in Friendship Plaza Subdivision, Angeles, Pampanga on October 18, 2016. After their arrest, the kidnappers -- who turned out to be members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) -- accused Jee of being involved in the illegal drug trade.
Jee's wife, Choi Kyung-jin, made the statement that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of 8 million Philippine pesos, and she reportedly paid 5 million Philippine pesos on October 30, 2016. She said she did not give the kidnappers the remaining 3 million Philippine pesos when they failed to present proof that Jee was still alive. The house helper was released the day after she and Jee were kidnapped. Philippine authorities held an investigation into Jee's death and the result was relayed to South Korean authorities. The result of the investigation stated that Jee died due to strangulation, on the same day he was kidnapped, within the grounds of Camp Crame of the PNP. On January 17, 2017, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) went to a funeral parlor in Bagbaguin, Caloocan where the body of Jee Ick-Joo was believed to have been brought. His remains were cremated and his ashes were flushed down the toilet.
Jee Ick-Joo's wife said that eight armed men, including SPO3 Ricky Santa Isabel, who is linked to the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group, were involved in the kidnapping. She alleged that the group took their personal property, including jewelry and passports. Jee's house helper was also named as a suspect by the Angeles city police after she was found to have used a false name and had been working at Jee's household for only two days. The house helper is the main witness in the case. On February 3, according to PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, unscrupulous members of the PNP and NBI could be behind the killing of Jee. Dela Rosa told the reporters at Camp Crame that the picture is getting clearer and hopefully, the truth will soon come out. President Duterte apologized to South Korea for the incident, saying those responsible will be held accountable, additionally remarking that if imprisoned it would be best for them to escape, implying that he would have their heads sent to South Korea after being killed in prison.
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