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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI vows to file charges vs. personnel aiding foreign detainees

BI vows to file charges vs. personnel aiding foreign detainees

Published Jan 25, 2026 01:22 pm
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) assured that it will file charges against its personnel who will be found illegally aiding foreign detainees.
“We will ensure that those who are remiss of their duties will face the harshest consequences,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Viado made the assurance after Malacanang revealed that three BI personnel were dismissed after they were found to have helped Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy film vlog contents while under detention at the BI.
He said the three personnel were found to be involved in cellular telephone smuggling in the bureau’s detention center.
He also said that one contractual agent was dismissed, and one officer and one staff member were relieved of their posts pending investigation.
“More will follow. We will not tolerate incompetence or corruption, and we will treat this matter with utmost importance,” Viado stressed.
Following the dismissal of the three personnel, Viado said the BI conducted raids last Friday, Jan. 23, of its detention facilities in Taguig City and in Muntinlupa City.
“The operation was headed by the BI’s intelligence division, in coordination with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor),” he also said.
He pointed out that all rooms, quarters, and areas were thoroughly searched and swept of any contraband including unauthorized cash, cellphones, gadgets, electronic devices, cigarettes and e-cigarettes, knives and other sharp objects, including gambling cards and paraphernalia.
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