MANILA, Philippines— Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Tuesday confirmed that there was an attempt to secure the release on bail of Tony Yang, a high-profile detainee facing charges related to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, while Viado was on leave.

In a statement addressing what he described as a “vilification campaign” against him and the agency, Viado said the resolution to allow Yang’s release was drafted and passed without his knowledge. “This was a clear effort to slip this resolution past me,” he said.

Viado said that upon his return, he immediately ordered the resolution rescinded and maintained his stance to keep Yang in detention. “It is a fact that I rejected the plea to allow Mr. Yang to be released on bail,” he said. “Subsequent requests were made asking me to reconsider my position… For the record, I stood by my position.”

Yang is reportedly linked to POGO operations and is currently detained while facing judicial proceedings.

Viado declined to confirm speculation that the recent negative publicity against the BI is connected to his refusal to grant Yang’s release, saying, “I do not know. Only the perpetrator of the vilification effort can address that.”

While he did not name any specific individuals or groups, Viado said the matter has been brought to the attention of the Secretary of Justice, who he said is “fully apprised” of the situation.

Despite the controversy, Viado stressed his commitment to continue internal reforms and avoid airing internal disputes in public. “There are matters which I believe must be addressed within the agency,” he said. “I do not wish to wash dirty laundry in public.”

Viado issued the statement following mounting inquiries from the public and media about internal conflicts in the bureau and the continued detention of Yang.