MANILA, Philippines—Following the re-arrest of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is expanding its internal probe and preparing more suspensions of personnel suspected of colluding in his escape.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado confirmed that additional BI employees are now under investigation for possible involvement, neglect, or failure to prevent Na’s getaway.
“This incident exposed deep-rooted problems within the system. Hindi ito simpleng pagkakamali—may sabwatan dito,” Viado said. “We are identifying more personnel who may have played a role, directly or indirectly, in this escape.”
Viado has already recommended the preventive suspension of several additional BI personnel, with more expected to follow.
This is in addition to the two contractual workers already fired and a permanent BI employee dismissed from service and facing DOJ charges.
“No one will be spared. Lahat ng may kasalanan, mananagot,” Viado declared. Investigators are now scrutinizing the records of other detained foreign nationals to check for possible patterns of corruption within the BI.
“This is not just about one escape—this is about dismantling an entire system of corruption that has allowed foreign criminals to operate freely,” Viado emphasized. “Kailangang alugin ang mga sistemang nakaugalian at itama ang mga mali,” he added.
As part of the reforms, Viado has directed BI personnel to implement stronger surveillance and tracking of high-profile detainees.
Viado added that they are set to transfer to a more secure holding facility soon, to ensure the proper monitoring of immigration detainees.
He also ordered his team to conduct mandatory background checks on BI officers handling foreign fugitives, implement personnel rotations to prevent long-term ties with detainees, and strengthen collaboration with foreign intelligence agencies for fugitive monitoring and tracking.
Law enforcement agencies, including the NBI, PNP, and Interpol, are closely working with the BI to ensure the immediate arrest and deportation of fugitives.
He added that BI wards with pending local cases, as much as practicable, will attend their hearings via videoconferencing to prevent security breaches.
“The days of under-the-table deals and inside jobs are over. We will ensure that those responsible are removed from their positions, prosecuted, and sentenced to jail,” he said.
Viado also issued a stern warning to all BI personnel: “Kung patuloy kayo na magpapabaya sa inyong tungkulin o makikipag-sabwatan sa mga masamang gawain, hindi lang kayo maaalis, kundi haharapin ninyo ang pinakamabigat na parusa sa ilalim ng batas.”
He acknowledged that the crackdown has drawn resistance from those affected by the reforms.
“We expect those involved in these corrupt activities to push back, create stories, and try to discredit us—but we remain committed to doing what is right,” Viado said.
“Hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na alisin ang mga kasangkot at papanagutin sila sa kanilang mga kasalanan,” he concluded. #
