The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Friday that, in an effort to restore integrity to the Bureau, BI Commissioner Atty. Joel Viado ordered the immediate release and termination of BI officials implicated in the escape of a well-known South Korean fugitive.

"This is a clear and obvious violation of duty. No justifications or blame will be accepted—all involved will be held responsible. We will not allow carelessness, dishonesty, or cooperation among our members," Atty. Viado declared.

If the ongoing inquiry reveals complicity, Viado vowed that "heads will roll" and promised a full-scale crackdown on renegade immigration officers.

"For the Bureau, this is a turning point moment. Being in a bad habit is no longer acceptable. Those who believe they can get away with this ought to reconsider. Anyone who betrays the trust of this institution and the Filipino people will be exposed, punished, and removed," the BI chief warned.

To ensure that measures are in place to prevent future breaches, Atty. Viado also ordered an internal audit of all staff members assigned to high-risk deportation and detention cases.

"The Bureau's days of doing business illegally and behind closed doors are coming to an end. We are cleaning the house—and this is just the beginning," he stressed.

In addition to the upcoming administrative proceedings, those involved may face criminal charges for infidelity in the custody of a prisoner.

Despite only having been in office for 157 days, Atty. Viado vowed that additional reforms and revamps are set to happen.

To hold all responsible parties accountable, he also assured complete cooperation with the Senate and other law enforcement agencies.