What happened
In October 2016, South Korean businessman Ick Joo Jee was abducted from his home in Angeles City during what was presented as a police anti-drug operation. Prosecutors said he was later killed inside Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, and his remains were cremated.
The investigation
The case caused national outrage because law-enforcement personnel were among those charged. Prosecutors alleged that the kidnapping was carried out for ransom and that Jee's househelp was also unlawfully detained.
Court outcomes
A trial court convicted Ricky Sta. Isabel and Jerry Omlang of kidnapping with homicide and related offenses. In June 2024, the Court of Appeals reversed the acquittal of former police superintendent Rafael Dumlao III, finding him guilty as mastermind and imposing reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole for kidnapping with homicide, along with additional penalties for other offenses.
Why the case matters
The case became an emblematic test of accountability for abuses committed under color of police authority. The Court of Appeals ruling was especially significant because it addressed the narrow circumstances under which an acquittal may be challenged for grave abuse of discretion.