Manila: Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado on Thursday ordered the immediate preventive suspension of immigration personnel involved in the escape of a high-profile South Korean fugitive. He also vowed a full-blown crackdown on rogue immigration officers and warned that "heads will roll" over the incident.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BI chief, Joel Viado, expressed his determination to hold all those involved accountable, stating, "This is a direct and undeniable breach of duty. Walang palusot, walang sisihan, lahat ng sangkot mananagot (No excuses. No blaming. All those involved would be held accountable). We will not tolerate negligence, corruption, or collusion within our ranks."

Viado further emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the Bureau, declaring, "We will expose, punish, and remove anyone who betrays the trust of this institution and the Filipino people." He has initiated an internal audit of all personnel assigned to high-risk deportation and detention cases to ensure that proper safeguards are in place to prevent future breaches.

The commissioner also announced that the days of illicit deals and under-the-table transactions in the Bureau are numbered, stating, "We are cleaning house-and this is just the beginning." He assured full cooperation with the Senate and law enforcement agencies in bringing all guilty parties to justice.

Viado, who has been in office for 157 days, promised that more changes and revamps are set to happen within the Bureau to restore integrity and trust. Meanwhile, the BI has launched a manhunt against South Korean Na Ikhyeon, who escaped while attending a hearing of a case filed against him in Quezon City on March 4. The fugitive managed to flee despite the presence of his counsel during a hearing of an estafa case filed by a Filipina at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.