Bi Chief Vows Swift Action Amid Naia Extortion Probe

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado

Bi Chief Vows Swift Action Amid Naia Extortion Probe

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | March 19, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has launched an immediate and thorough investigation into alarming allegations of harassment and extortion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), promising decisive action against any personnel found culpable.

“We treat these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” Commissioner Viado affirmed, underscoring the BI’s stringent zero-tolerance policy against all forms of misconduct, particularly unauthorized solicitations and improper treatment of arriving passengers.

The directive mandates a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry, including the precise identification of duty personnel, meticulous preservation and review of all CCTV footage, and examination of pertinent records.

Commissioner Viado unequivocally stated, “Should the evidence support these allegations, we will not hesitate to file the appropriate administrative and criminal charges against those involved.”

He further urged individuals possessing direct knowledge of BI personnel misconduct to step forward and coordinate directly with his office, ensuring a fair and exhaustive investigation.

“There will be no tolerance for actions that undermine the integrity of our institution and the trust of the traveling public,” Viado warned, reiterating the BI’s commitment to its “Bagong Immigration” vision. “As we have done in the past, erring personnel will face the harshest sanctions. Corruption has no place in the Bagong Immigration vision we follow.”