BI suspends more staff over Korean fugitive escape

Following the recent rearrest of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is intensifying its internal investigation and preparing to suspend additional BI personnel suspected of assisting in his escape.

BI Commissioner Atty. Joel Viado stated that more BI staff members are under scrutiny for potential involvement, negligence or failure to prevent Na's escape.

"This incident highlights longstanding issues within the system. There is a conspiracy at play here; this is not just a simple mistake. We are identifying additional personnel who may have directly or indirectly aided in the escape," Viado said.

The BI chief has already recommended the preventive suspension of several additional personnel, with more suspensions expected. One permanent BI employee has been dismissed and is facing charges from the Department of Justice (DoJ), in addition to two contractual workers previously terminated by the Bureau.

"No one will be spared. We will hold accountable anyone found guilty. Investigators are now closely reviewing the records of other foreign nationals in detention to uncover any corruption within the BI," Viado added.

"This isn't just about one escape; it's about dismantling an entire system of corruption that has allowed foreign criminals to operate with impunity. The deeply ingrained systems must change, and the wrongdoings must be addressed," he said.

As part of ongoing reforms, Viado has instructed all BI officials and personnel to enhance the monitoring and tracking of high-profile detainees. These individuals will soon be transferred to more secure facilities to ensure better oversight of immigration detainees.

Additionally, he has ordered stronger cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies for the monitoring and tracking of fugitives, regular personnel rotations to prevent undue relationships with detainees, and mandatory background checks for BI officers handling foreign fugitives.

The BI is also collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Philippine National Police and Interpol, to ensure the swift apprehension and deportation of fugitives.

To prevent security breaches, BI detainees with pending local cases will, when possible, attend hearings via videoconferencing. "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 imprisoned," Viado said.

He also issued a strong warning to all BI personnel: "If you neglect your duties or engage in corrupt acts, not only will you be removed from service, but you will also face the harshest penalties under the law."