BI raids Taguig, Muntinlupa holding facilities after phone-smuggling claims

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday said it launched a sweeping crackdown on its Taguig and Muntinlupa holding facilities on Friday, ordering back-to-back raids after allegations that detainees had access to mobile phones while in custody.

The operation was triggered by statements from deported Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who claimed he was able to use a cellphone during his detention.

Although the alleged incident dates back to June or July last year, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said fresh intelligence prompted authorities to act again.

The shakedown, led by the BI’s intelligence division with support from the National Capital Region Police Office and the Bureau of Corrections, combed through all rooms, quarters, and common areas of the two facilities.

Authorities seized a wide range of contraband, including unauthorized cash, mobile phones, electronic gadgets, cigarettes and e-cigarettes, knives and sharp objects, as well as gambling cards and paraphernalia.

Viado said the raids were meant not only to keep the facilities free of illegal items, but also to ensure that no detainee receives special treatment.

The BI earlier revealed that Zdorovetskiy’s companion, foreign national Malik Dejoun Okojie, was allegedly involved in smuggling cellphones into the facility with the help of his Filipina wife.

The controversy has already cost jobs. Viado confirmed that three personnel linked to cellphone smuggling have been dismissed — one contractual agent was terminated outright, while one officer and one staff member were relieved from their posts pending investigation.

“More will follow,” Viado warned. “We will not tolerate incompetence or corruption. Those remiss in their duties will face the harshest consequences.”

The BI warden facility, while not a jail, serves as a temporary holding area for foreigners awaiting deportation. Gadget use is tightly regulated, with phones allowed only for contacting family members, embassies, or legal counsel.

In response to the abuses, Viado said he is considering revoking cellphone privileges altogether and replacing them with landlines and supervised video call booths.

“Pag umaabuso, kailangan gawan ng aksyon agad,” he said, adding that criminal cases will be filed against personnel found to be aiding the smuggling of unauthorized items.