Metro Manila, Philippines – A warden and two deputy wardens of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have filed their courtesy resignations over their alleged involvement in a corruption scheme inside BI detention facilities, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed during a press briefing on Monday, Jan. 26.
Deported Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy claimed during a livestream with American content creator Adin Ross on Jan. 23 that he was able to use his phone and record videos while in BI custody.
Castro stated that mobile phones may only be used inside the facility to contact family members.
“Ang paggawa po ng video ng nasabing Russian vlogger ay hindi po naaayon sa rules at hindi po otorisado ng nasabing facility,” Castro said.
[Translation: The Russian vlogger’s videos do not comply with the rules and were not authorized by the facility.]
Castro told the press that the investigation seeking to verify Zdorovetskiy’s claims is still ongoing, adding that new allegations from the vlogger will serve as a guide for the probe.
“…dahil kung may pangmalawakang kurapsyon sa nasabing ahensya, dapat lamang pong tanggalin kung sino ang lumalabag sa batas,” Castro added.
[Translation: If there is widespread corruption in the agency, it is only right to remove those who violate the law.]
Last week, the Palace disclosed that three BI officials have been sacked for allowing Zdorovetskiy to use his mobile phone while in detention.
