BI CHIEF FIRES EMPLOYEES OVER KOREAN FUGITIVE ESCAPE

IN  bid to restore integrity in the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Commissioner Joel Viado has ordered the immediate relief and termination of BI personnel involved in the escape of a high-profile Korean fugitive.

“This is a direct and undeniable breach of duty. Walang palusot, walang sisihan—lahat ng sangkot mananagot,” Viado emphasized.

“We will not tolerate negligence, corruption, or collusion within our ranks,” Viado declared.

Viado vowed a full-blown crackdown on rogue immigration officers, warning that “heads will roll” if the ongoing investigation confirms involvement.

“This is a turning point for the Bureau. Hindi na pwede ’yung nakagawian ng kalokohan. Those who think they can get away with this should think again,” said Viado.

“We will expose, punish, and remove anyone who betrays the trust of this institution and the Filipino people,” he warned.

The BI chief has also ordered an internal audit of all personnel assigned to high-risk deportation and detention cases, ensuring that safeguards are in place to prevent future breaches.

“The days illicit deals and under-the-table transactions in the Bureau are numbered. We are cleaning house—and this is just the beginning,” Viado emphasized.

Apart from the forthcoming administrative cases, those involved also face criminal cases for infidelity in the custody of a prisoner.

Viado, who has been in office for merely 157 days, vowed that more changes and revamps are set to happen.

He assured full cooperation with the Senate and law enforcement agencies in bringing all guilty parties to justice.