BI chief axes staff after South Korean fugitive escape

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado has dismissed several personnel following the escape of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon.

Viado immediately ordered the removal of any staff potentially involved in the escape, stressing that he would not tolerate "negligence, corruption, or collusion within our ranks."

"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,” Viado said in a statement Friday.

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

Viado earlier initiated a manhunt operation to capture the high-profile fugitive and prevent further incidents.

Na escaped while attending a hearing for a case filed against him in Quezon City on Tuesday, 4 March.

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