Malacañang confirmed on Monday that six Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel have been removed following allegations that they granted unauthorized privileges to Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy during his detention.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said a warden submitted his courtesy resignation, which has already been accepted, while two deputy wardens were dismissed.
Three other BI employees were also sacked in connection with the incident.
Zdorovetskiy, who was arrested in April 2025 for harassing a security guard and commandeering a tricycle, was declared an undesirable alien and deported to Russia on Jan. 17.
During his detention, he claimed he had unrestricted access to a cellphone and alleged corruption within the BI.
“Ang pagbibigay po at pag-a-allow ng paggamit ng cellphone ay para makausap lamang ang kanilang pamilya. At hindi po allowed na sila ay gumawa ng anumang video. Ang paggawa po ng video ng nasabing Russian vlogger ay hindi po naaayon sa rules at ito po ay walang authority o hindi awtorisado ng nasabing facility,” Castro said.
She added that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation.
“Alam naman po ng bawat ahensiya…na nais ng Pangulo na malinis ang gobyernong ito mula sa korapsyon… Kung mahal nila ang kanilang trabaho at mahal nila ang bayan, sundin lamang po nila ang utos ng Pangulo,” Castro said.
The Palace said further action, including possible additional disciplinary measures or a reshuffle, will depend on the outcome of the ongoing probe.
Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado vowed over the weekend to file charges against personnel involved in illegally aiding foreign detainees by smuggling contraband into detention facilities.
Viado confirmed that three personnel found to have smuggled smartphones were terminated, while one contractual agent was also dismissed. One staff member and one officer were relieved pending investigation results.
“More will follow. We will not tolerate incompetence or corruption, and we will treat this matter with utmost importance,” Viado said. “We will ensure that those who are remiss of their duties will face the harshest consequences.”
The BI said Zdorovetskiy’s foreign companion was involved in smuggling smartphones through his Filipina wife.
Last Friday, the agency conducted raids at its Taguig City and Muntinlupa City detention facilities, led by the BI’s intelligence division in coordination with the National Capital Region Police Office and the Bureau of Corrections.
The operations recovered unauthorized cash, smartphones, electronic gadgets, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, knives, gambling cards, and other contraband.
Although the BI’s warden facility serves as a temporary holding area for foreigners facing deportation rather than a jail, gadget use is highly regulated.
Phones are allowed only for contacting family members, embassies, or legal counsel.
Viado said the agency is considering revoking smartphone use in detention facilities and relying instead on landlines and video call booths.
