The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said it has ordered an internal review of its detention facilities following online statements made by deported foreign national Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who alleged misconduct during his stay at the agency’s Warden Facility.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the allegations, which include claims of unauthorized access to mobile phones and corruption, remain unverified and are based solely on Zdorovetskiy’s account, but still warrant closer scrutiny by the agency.

“Any allegation of misconduct or security lapses within BI facilities is taken seriously,” Viado said, stressing that the claims do not affect the legal basis of Zdorovetskiy’s deportation nor the decision declaring him an undesirable alien.

Viado said the bureau has conducted inspection and enforcement operations at its Warden Facilities in Taguig and Muntinlupa as part of ongoing efforts to strictly enforce detention rules.

The operations resulted in the confiscation of various contraband items, including unauthorized cash, mobile phones and electronic devices, cigarettes and e-cigarettes, bladed objects, and gambling paraphernalia.

“The Bureau maintains a strict no-contraband and no-unauthorized-use-of-gadget policy in all detention facilities,” Viado said.

He warned that any BI personnel found to have violated regulations would face administrative and criminal sanctions.

Viado also emphasized that Zdorovetskiy’s deportation and permanent ban from reentering the Philippines remain in full force under existing immigration laws.

“The Bureau remains committed to maintaining humane detention conditions, institutional integrity, and accountability,” Viado said, adding that internal controls will continue to be strengthened to prevent abuse and ensure facilities operate in accordance with the law.