The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday said it launched a sweeping crackdown on its holding facilities in Taguig and Muntinlupa on 23 January, 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, noting that previous raids and confiscations had already been conducted.

He said another mass raid was necessary following the latest information.

The raid forms part of the BI’s efforts to ensure that the facilities remain free of drugs and other illegal paraphernalia and that no detainee receives special treatment.

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

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

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

Viado confirmed that three personnel linked to cellphone smuggling have been dismissed — one contractual agent terminated, and one officer and one staff member relieved from their posts pending investigation.

“More will follow. We will not tolerate incompetence or corruption, and we will treat this matter with utmost importance. We will ensure that those remiss in their duties will face the harshest consequences,” Viado said.

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.

“When there are abuses, action must be taken immediately,” he said, adding that criminal cases will be filed against personnel found to be aiding the smuggling of unauthorized items.