Rafael Dumlao III is a former police officer who was implicated in the high-profile kidnapping and murder case of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo in 2016. The case gained significant attention due to its shocking details and the involvement of law enforcement officials.
Jee Ick-joo was abducted from his home in Angeles City by individuals posing as part of an anti-drug operation. He was later taken to Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, where he was strangled to death. His remains were reportedly cremated, and his ashes were flushed down a toilet.
Dumlao, who was a superintendent in the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group, was initially acquitted by a regional trial court in 2023. However, in 2024, the Court of Appeals reversed this acquittal, finding that the trial had been a “sham” and a “mockery” of the justice system. The appellate court ruled that Dumlao was guilty of kidnapping with homicide, kidnapping with serious illegal detention, and carjacking. He was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which means 20 to 40 years in prison without parole.
The case was particularly controversial because it highlighted corruption within law enforcement and raised concerns about abuses committed under the guise of anti-drug operations. The conviction of Dumlao and his co-conspirators was seen as a step toward justice for Jee Ick-joo’s family and a warning against similar abuses in the future.
Rafael Dumlao III Profile
Full Name: Rafael P. Dumlao III
Nationality: Filipino
Profession: Former Police Superintendent
Affiliation: Philippine National Police (PNP), Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG)
Age: 50years old
Early Life
Rafael P. Dumlao III was born on April 16, 1971, in Cebu City, Philippines. He grew up in a close-knit family that deeply valued public service and honor. From a young age, Dumlao showed strong leadership qualities and was admired for his calm confidence and willingness to help others.
During his formative years, Dumlao excelled academically and actively participated in community initiatives. He often volunteered to tutor local youths and assist in neighborhood patrols organized by community leaders. These experiences shaped his understanding of grassroots concerns and fueled his ambition to pursue a career in law enforcement.
At the age of 20, Dumlao enrolled in the Philippine National Police Academy, where he underwent rigorous training that tested his physical endurance and moral resolve. Upon graduation, he returned to his home region as a junior officer, eager to apply his skills to real-world policing and community engagement.
Career
Rafael Dumlao III was a ranking officer in the Philippine National Police (PNP), specifically serving in the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG). His career in law enforcement positioned him as a key figure in anti-drug operations, but his reputation took a dark turn when he was implicated in the 2016 kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo.
Dumlao was arrested and detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame following his alleged involvement in the crime. Initially, he was under restrictive custody, but later, formal charges were filed against him, including kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and carjacking. His case became one of the most controversial in Philippine law enforcement history, highlighting concerns about police corruption and abuse of power.
In 2024, the Court of Appeals reversed his acquittal, sentencing him to life imprisonment without parole. However, recent reports indicate that Dumlao is now on the run, with authorities actively searching for him. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) has even issued a ₱1-million reward for his capture.
His career, once marked by law enforcement duties, is now overshadowed by his criminal conviction and fugitive status.
FAQs
Who is Rafael Dumlao III?
Rafael P. Dumlao III is a former Police Superintendent in the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG). He became widely known due to his involvement in the 2016 kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo.
What was Dumlao’s role in the Jee Ick-joo case?
Dumlao was accused of being one of the masterminds behind the crime. Jee Ick-joo was abducted from his home under the guise of an anti-drug operation, taken to Camp Crame, and later strangled to death. His remains were reportedly cremated and disposed of in a toilet.
What sentence did Rafael Dumlao III receive?
Initially, Dumlao was acquitted by a regional trial court in 2023. However, in 2024, the Court of Appeals reversed the acquittal, finding that the trial had been a sham and a mockery of the justice system. He was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, meaning 20 to 40 years in prison without parole.
Has Rafael Dumlao III been found or arrested?
As of 2025, Dumlao is on the run, and authorities are actively searching for him. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) has issued a ₱1-million reward for his capture.
Why is the Jee Ick-joo case significant?
The case exposed corruption within law enforcement and raised concerns about abuses committed under the guise of anti-drug operations. The conviction of Dumlao and his co-conspirators was seen as a step toward justice for Jee Ick-joo’s family and a warning against similar abuses in the future.