Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado orders the dismissal of officers linked to the escape of a South Korean fugitive who fled during a court hearing in Quezon City.
The BI has also filed criminal complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) following newly obtained security footage and testimony suggesting possible collusion within the agency, Viado said in a news release.
“This footage is damning evidence. Hindi ito simpleng kapabayaan,” he said. “Adding to this, we have secured additional testimonial evidence that further strengthens our case against those involved.”
Na Ikhyeon, 38, escaped while attending the hearing of an estafa case filed against him by a Filipino woman at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on March 4.
The closed-circuit television footage allegedly showed BI officers facilitating the escape.
Viado noted that further investigation is underway but the evidence gathered so far is strong enough to support criminal cases against those responsible.
“This is no longer just an internal disciplinary matter. This is a full-blown criminal case. The DOJ will take over and we will ensure that those who betrayed public trust are held accountable,” he said.
Other employees suspected of involvement have been placed on preventive suspension, while an internal audit of all high-risk deportation and detention cases continues.
Viado vowed that the BI will not stop until all those responsible are punished. “This is just the beginning. The days of corruption, illicit deals, and under-the-table transactions in the bureau are numbered,” he said.