“Judging by the results of recent BI operations, it appears he is determined to make the agency work”
THE job of the commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration is not easy.
For decades, the agency has been in the news because of scandals involving some of its very own agents. The public had wondered whether or not there is still hope for this controversial arm of the Department of Justice.
Recent developments, however, seemed to indicate that, yes, there is hope, with the appointment of a no-nonsense guy at the helm of the agency in the person of Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
A seasoned lawyer with extensive experience both in government and the private sector, Viado has vowed to institute major reforms in the immigration system as well as in his agency. Developments show he is serious in his promise and the public is happy.
Viado repeated his vow to reform the BI following the recent recapture of South Korean escapee Na Ikhyeon. The BI chief has launched a massive internal probe to pin down the elements within the agency who may have been involved in Na’s escape from its detention facilities.
Viado said he is expanding the probe to identify those who were directly involved or whose neglect and failure made Na’s getaway possible.
Already, Viado has fired several BI agents, recommended several BI employees for preventive suspension and criminally charged in the wake of investigations. He revealed what the public has long suspected: that the incident is not the result of “mere error” but of “collusion” within the agency.
Viado vowed his probe “will spare no one.”
“This is not just about one escape—this is about dismantling an entire system of corruption that has allowed foreign criminals to operate freely,” Viado underscored as he swore to “rock the system” and institute corrective measures.
We believe Viado will make good on his promise.
At the same time, we are concerned that he is up against a well-entrenched system that has capitalized on the corruption within the bureau. While we do not doubt the will and the capabilities of Viado, he must be warned that he must watch his back.
There have been long-held speculations that a well-entrenched “syndicate” has been operating within the BI. This is not just one group but cliques that collaborate with external forces which include foreigners with lots of money.
These groups are said to have facilitated the overstay of illegal aliens, the production of fake papers, and the extrication of moneyed aliens facing deportation.
Several of these aliens are said to have been involved with criminal operations in the country.
What Viado must be warned about is that these cliques and their operations have outlived many BI commissioners. Appointees to the post have come and gone but their operations are said to continue to flourish to this very day.
It is possible that these are the same groups responsible for the mysterious escape of the controversial former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
The lingering Guo controversy may have unfairly put Viado on the hot seat before the Senate panel investigating that famous escape. He is now being made to answer for a “lapse” in the agency’s operations which had taken place before he had assumed the commissioner post. Viado was just appointed Commissioner in Oct. 2024.
While this may be unfortunate for Viado, this is a good lesson for him.
The fact that the Senate has not gotten a satisfactory answer to the Guo escape puzzle should show him that he is up against an intricate web of covert operations within the BI.
It will not be an easy fight for the new BI commissioner.
Viado must also brace for resistance from those affected by these sweeping reforms.
The “syndicate” well entrenched within the Bureau, along with individuals benefiting from corrupt practices, are likely to resist Viado’s initiatives and create false narratives, discrediting ongoing investigations, and attempting to undermine the crackdown.
These groups have long operated in the shadows, protecting their illicit operations through deception and influence.
The good news is that it appears Viado is not intimidated by the enemy within.
Judging by the results of recent BI operations, it appears he is determined to make the agency work.
The quick rearrest of the fugitive Na is a good indication.
Na was taken back to BI custody in less than five days after his escape from detention. Viado may just have what it takes to get this vital agency back in shape.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)