MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration on Sunday confirmed additional Immigration employees are now being probed for "possible involvement, neglect, or failure to prevent" the escape of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon.

In a press release, BI Commissioner Joel Viado confirmed the development as it widens the investigation on Na's escape.

"This incident exposed deep-rooted problems within the system. Hindi ito simpleng pagkakamali—may sabwatan dito. We are identifying more personnel who may have played a role, directly or indirectly," he said.

BI details how Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon managed to escape custody

Viado said he has already recommended the preventive suspension of several additional BI personnel, with more to come.

This is on top of the three Immigration employees, two contractual workers and a permanent one, dismissed from service and facing charges before the Department of Justice.

"No one will be spared. Lahat ng may kasalanan, mananagot," Viado said.

Last Sunday, BI announced Na was re-arrested together with his companion Kang Changbeom in Barangay Pampang in Angeles City, Pampanga.

BI finds, arrests South Korean fugitive who slipped out during hearing

Na, who is wanted for fraud fled from authorities earlier this month while attending a court hearing in Quezon City.

He was arrested in May 2023, but has not been deported yet due to a pending estafa case at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.

BI IMPLEMENTING REFORMS

BI is also implementing "sweeping reforms" to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

As part of the reforms, Viado said they are looking into the records of other detained foreign nationals for a possible pattern of corruption.

"This is not just about one escape—this is about dismantling an entire system of corruption that has allowed foreign criminals to operate freely. Kailangang alugin ang mga sistemang nakaugalian at itama ang mga mali," he added.

Viado has ordered BI personnel to "implement stronger surveillance and tracking of high-profile detainees."

The BI commissioner likewise said they are set to transfer to a more secure holding facility soon to ensure better tracking and monitoring of detainees.

Viado added that they are set to transfer to a more secure holding facility soon, to ensure the proper monitoring of immigration detainees.

He also directed the conduct of mandatory background checks on BI officers handling foreign fugitives, implement personnel rotations and boost collaboration with foreign intelligence agencies.

"The days of under-the-table deals and inside jobs are over. We will ensure that those responsible are removed from their positions, prosecuted, and sentenced to jail," he said.

Viado issued a stern warning to BI personnel following the incident.

"Kung patuloy kayo na magpapabaya sa inyong tungkulin o makikipag-sabwatan sa mga masamang gawain, hindi lang kayo maaalis, kundi haharapin ninyo ang pinakamabigat na parusa sa ilalim ng batas," he said.

"Hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na alisin ang mga kasangkot at papanagutin sila sa kanilang mga kasalanan," Viado said.