The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has revoked the one-hour cellphone privileges previously granted to foreign nationals held in its detention centers, following videos taken inside the facility by Russian vlogger Vitaly.
“BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has decided to tighten regulations regarding cellphone use. The privilege to use cellphones will be removed,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told local media.
Instead, foreign nationals will have access to landline phones and video-calling booths to communicate with family members.
“They will now use low-tech options to contact their families. Landlines will be available, and video-calling booths will be set up in open areas of the facilities so that their activities are visible,” Sandoval said.
The measure comes after Vitaly recorded and uploaded content from inside a BI detention center using a cellphone.
Sandoval emphasized that BI detention centers are holding facilities, not jails. Previously, detainees were allowed one hour of cellphone use to contact family members or embassies.
Following the incident, several BI personnel have resigned or been removed from their posts.
