BI to require direct flights for POGO-linked deportees

BI Commissioner Joel Viado. (Photo: Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has banned deportation flights with layovers for foreign fugitives involved in crimes linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Under BI Board of Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-002, dated March 21, 2025, deported foreign nationals with links to POGOs can only be placed on direct flights to their home countries, except in cases where no direct route exists from the Philippines.

The move puts an end to a critical loophole that POGO deportees have exploited and comply with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive of a total POGO ban, BI Commissioner Joel Viado said in a news release Monday.

“This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures. Removing direct flights for POGO-related foreign nationals would lower opportunities of them expanding their operations in other countries in the Asian region,” the BI chief added.

The move comes after Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian pushed for stricter measures to prevent high-profile criminals from manipulating deportation protocols.

At the same time, Viado expressed gratitude to the senators and other lawmakers who supported the initiative.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to Senators Gatchalian, Hontiveros, at sa lahat ng mambabatas na tumulong sa pagsulong ng repormang ito (and to all lawmakers who helped us in pushing for these reforms). Their commitment to closing loopholes in our deportation process has been instrumental in ensuring that foreign syndicates cannot exploit our system. We stand with them in making our immigration policies stronger and more secure,” he said.

The BI, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), has started working with airlines and foreign embassies to ensure smooth enforcement of the new directive.

He reported that the bureau is also studying additional security enhancements for deportation procedures, including tighter coordination with law enforcement agencies abroad.