BI to file raps vs personnel who illegally help foreign detainees

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) over the weekend vowed to go after BI personnel involved in illegally aiding foreign detainees by smuggling contraband inside its detention facilities.

BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado gave the commitment after Malacañang said three Bi personnel were relieved for allegedly helping deported Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy film content while detained by the BI.

In a statement, Viado said three personnel found to be involved in the smuggling of smartphones were sacked, while one contractual agent was terminated.

The BI also relieved one staff and one officer pending the results of an investigation.

“More will follow. We will not tolerate incompetence or corruption, and we will treat this matter with utmost importance,” Viado said, as he assured that the BI will file charges against BI personnel who aid in smuggling contraband inside its detention facilities.

“We will ensure that those who are remiss of their duties will face the harshest consequences,” he added.

Earlier, the BI said Vitaly’s foreign companion was involved in smuggling smartphones inside the BI detention facility through his Filipina wife.

The BI also conducted raids at its detention facilities in Taguig City and Muntinlupa City last Friday.

Viado said the operation was headed by the BI’s intelligence division, in coordination with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

All rooms, quarters, and areas were thoroughly searched and swept of contraband.

The raid yielded unauthorized cash, smartphones, gadgets, electronic devices, cigarettes and e-cigarettes, knives and other sharp objects, gambling cards, and other paraphernalia.

Although the BI warden’s facility is not a jail but a temporary holding area for foreigners facing deportation, the use of gadgets is highly regulated.

Mobile phones are only allowed to be used to contact the deportee’s family members, embassy, or counsel.

Viado said he is mulling the possibility of revoking smartphone use in both detention facilities and resorting to use of landlines and video call booths instead. — JMA, GMA Integrated News