6 BI men axed over Russian vlogger’s corruption claims – Palace

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

DEPORTED. Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, arrested in April 2025 for disruptive behavior, was declared an undesirable alien and deported to Russia on Jan. 17, 2026. At least six immigration officers and personnel have been relieved following Zdorovetskiy’s claims that he received special treatment while in detention, an incident Malacañang said will be thoroughly investigated. (Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – Malacañang on Monday confirmed that six Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel were removed following supposed unauthorized privileges granted to Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy during his detention.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said a warden submitted his courtesy resignation, which has already been accepted, while two deputy wardens were dismissed from their posts.

Three additional BI employees were also sacked in connection with the incident, she added.

Zdorovetskiy, arrested in April 2025 for disruptive behavior, including harassing a security guard and commandeering a tricycle, was declared an undesirable alien and deported to Russia on Jan. 17.

During his detention, he claimed he had unrestricted access to a cellphone and alleged corruption within the BI.

“Ang pagbibigay po at pag-a-allow ng paggamit ng cellphone ay para makausap lamang ang kanilang pamilya. At hindi po allowed na sila ay gumawa ng anumang video. Ang paggawa po ng video ng nasabing Russian vlogger ay hindi po naaayon sa rules at ito po ay walang authority o hindi awtorisado ng nasabing facility (Cellphone use is allowed when has to make a call to his family. He was not allowed to make any videos. Making videos by the said Russian vlogger was against the rules and not authorized by the facility),” Castro said.

Castro added that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation into the issue.

“Alam naman po ng bawat ahensiya…na nais ng Pangulo na malinis ang gobyernong ito mula sa korapsyon… Kung mahal nila ang kanilang trabaho at mahal nila ang bayan, sundin lamang po nila ang utos ng Pangulo (Every agency head and employee knows that the President wants this government free from corruption… If they value their jobs and their country, they must follow the President’s order),” she said.

The Palace said further action, including possible additional disciplinary measures or a reshuffle, will depend on the outcome of the ongoing probe.