President Lee hails arrest of suspect in Philippine murder of Korean national

President Lee Jae-myung said Wednesday that the prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Korean national Ji Ik-ju in the Philippines had finally been arrested, and extended his deepest condolences to the victim's family, who had waited more than a decade for justice.

Lee made the remarks in a Facebook post titled "There are no borders when it comes to protecting the lives and safety of our people."

"During my visit to the Philippines in March, the bereaved family personally asked me to push for progress in the investigation, and the local Korean community was also calling loudly for the case to be resolved," Lee wrote. "It is a relief to be able to share the news that the suspect has been arrested, even if it has taken so long."

Lee also credited close cooperation among the South Korean Embassy in the Philippines, the Korean Desk and Philippine police authorities for making the arrest possible, and thanked all those who had worked over the years to resolve the case.

"Protecting the lives and safety of our people is the most fundamental duty of the state," he said. "We will pursue crimes committed against our citizens anywhere in the world and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable."

He added that the government would do everything in its power to help Koreans living abroad lead safer lives.