Rafael Dumlao III is a former high-ranking officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), notably serving in the now-defunct Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG). He gained national attention as the principal suspect in the 2016 abduction and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo—a case that became emblematic of the controversies surrounding the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Background and Role in the PNP
Dumlao held the rank of Police Superintendent and was assigned to the AIDG, a unit established to spearhead anti-drug operations. His involvement in the Jee Ick Joo case marked a significant fall from grace, highlighting issues of corruption and abuse within law enforcement agencies.
The Jee Ick Joo Case
On October 18, 2016, Jee Ick Joo was abducted from his residence in Angeles City by individuals posing as part of an anti-drug operation. He was subsequently brought to Camp Crame, the PNP’s national headquarters, where he was strangled to death. His body was cremated, and the ashes were reportedly flushed down a toilet.
The crime shocked the nation and the international community, leading to widespread criticism of the Duterte administration’s aggressive anti-drug campaign. Dumlao was identified as the mastermind behind the operation, with testimonies from co-accused individuals implicating him in orchestrating the abduction and murder.
Legal Proceedings
- Initial Charges and Bail: In April 2017, the Department of Justice filed charges against Dumlao, including kidnapping for ransom with homicide, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and carnapping. Despite the severity of the charges, an Angeles City court granted him bail in May 2019, citing insufficient evidence at that stage.
- Acquittal and Appeal: In June 2023, Dumlao was acquitted by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 60 due to what the court deemed a lack of compelling evidence. However, this decision faced backlash, leading prosecutors to appeal.
- Conviction: On July 19, 2024, the Court of Appeals reversed the acquittal, finding Dumlao guilty of kidnapping with homicide, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and carnapping. He was sentenced to reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years imprisonment) without the possibility of parole and ordered to pay damages totaling ₱575,000 to Jee’s family.
Significance
The conviction of Rafael Dumlao III underscored the challenges within the Philippine justice system, especially concerning accountability among law enforcement officials. The case highlighted the potential for abuse of power and the importance of judicial oversight in upholding the rule of law.