11/06/2026
READ | Remulla: Convicted Ex-Cop’s Arrest Sends Clear Message - No One Is Above the Law
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said the arrest of convicted former police officer PLt. Col. Rafael Dumlao III underscores the government's commitment to enforcing court decisions and holding all individuals accountable under the law.
“This morning’s operation is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to enforce the law and implement Court decisions. The PNP acted in accordance with its mandate and the arrest sent a strong message that nobody is above the law, regardless of rank, position, or former authority,” Remulla said during a press conference at Camp Crame.
Dumlao was arrested at around 5:00 a.m. in Pasong Tamo, Quezon City pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by the court. He was convicted for his role in the 2016 kidnapping and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.
Remulla said the arrest reflects the DILG and PNP's commitment to institutional integrity and accountability.
“Whether you were a former PNP chief or a former police officer, that is not a consideration. Even though Dumlao was one of their own, he was not put above the law,” he said.
“The institution is above everything else. We are protecting the institution. The institution did not protect him and is not protecting the other ones,” he added.
The DILG chief also cited the Jee Ick Joo case as a reminder of the consequences of abuses committed under the guise of law enforcement operations.
“The killing of Jee Ick-Joo, ito yung resulta ng abuso sa tokhang. Kasi ang ginawa sa kanya, kinatok lang sa pintuan at sabi, it was a drug raid. Kinuha siya which turned out to be a kidnapping,” he said.
“Yung tokhang kasi gave too much license to the PNP operatives to do things at their whim without the process of law,” he added.
Remulla emphasized that the arrest was carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedures and with full respect for Dumlao's rights.
“Ginawa namin na lahat according to law. We did not violate any procedure. We read him his rights. We did not hurt him,” he said.
With Dumlao already convicted, Remulla said the focus now shifts to the implementation of the court's judgment. The court will determine his place of detention once the warrant has been returned.