Heads roll at BI: three officials axed after Russian vlogger films content in jail

• Malacañang dismissed three BI officials for allowing Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy to record content while in state custody
• The breach occurred at the BI Warden’s Facility in Taguig, leading to a massive confiscation of unauthorized mobile phones from detainees
• Vitaly, deported on Jan. 17, 2026, served nine months for multiple harassment and "rage-bait" stunts targeting Filipino citizens
• Authorities are continuing the investigation to identify more personnel who may have provided special privileges to the now-blacklisted vlogger

In a decisive move to restore order within its detention protocols, Malacañang announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the dismissal of three Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials following a breach that allowed a high-profile Russian vlogger to film social media content while in custody.

The sackings were confirmed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing.

The investigation revealed that Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, a controversial content creator recently deported to Russia, managed to record several videos during the initial phase of his nine-month detention at the BI Warden’s Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

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"Dahil diyan, marami po ang natanggal. Tatlo po ang natanggal na opisyal ng Immigration dahil diyan at marami pong cellphone ang nakumpiska," Castro stated.

The Palace emphasized that the dismissals serve as a warning to other personnel who may be tempted to provide special treatment or bypass security regulations for high-profile detainees.

Zdorovetskiy’s legal troubles in the Philippines began in April 2025, when he was arrested for a series of disruptive "rage-bait" stunts, including harassing security personnel, jumping onto moving jeepneys, and recklessly driving a tricycle that resulted in an accident.

After serving 290 days in detention and resolving multiple counts of unjust vexation and theft, he was officially declared an "undesirable alien" and deported on January 17, 2026.

Upon his return to Russia, Zdorovetskiy posted footage of his time behind bars, boasting about his resilience and teasing a full documentary.

These posts ignited public outrage and prompted the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to call for a strict review of how contraband, such as smartphones, entered the high-security facility.

While three officials have already been axed, Malacañang clarified that the probe is far from over. Undersecretary Castro noted that the government is looking into whether more personnel were involved in facilitating the vlogger’s "special privileges."

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"Pero kung mayroon pa pong iba na maaaring masabi natin na nagkakaroon ng kakulangan ay paiimbestigahan pa po ito at kailangan matanggal ang dapat na matanggal sa posisyon kung mayroong pang-aabuso," she added.

The BI has since been blacklisted Zdorovetskiy, permanently barring him from re-entering the country to protect the "integrity of Philippine hospitality."

In other news, an 18-year-old student, identified as "Vin," tragically lost his life following a heated physical confrontation with a classmate outside a senior high school in Taal. What began as a verbal argument quickly turned deadly when the suspect produced a sharp weapon, inflicting several deep wounds to the victim's abdominal area. Local law enforcement successfully tracked down and apprehended the fleeing suspect in a follow-up operation within Barangay Luntal shortly after the incident. As the victim was pronounced dead on arrival at a Lemery hospital, school officials and local police began a joint review of campus security measures.

Still in other news, a 35-year-old Philippine Army assistant detachment commander was gunned down on Tuesday at Patrol Base Macaingalan in Barangay Puray, Rodriguez. The fatal shooting reportedly occurred after the officer reprimanded three members of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary for violating rules against alcohol consumption. Forensic investigators recovered over 20 spent shell casings at the scene, suggesting a barrage of gunfire was directed at the superior officer during the assault. The three paramilitary members are currently in police custody, with the primary shooter facing murder charges while his accomplices face firearms-related counts.

Source: KAMI.com.gh