BI bans layover flights for Pogo-linked foreign fugitives

POGO workers deportation / INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has officially banned deportation flights with layovers for foreign fugitives involved in crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hubs.

This follows Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ March 5 Senate hearing remarks, where she criticized the BI for allowing layovers for three Chinese nationals believed to be Pogo “bosses,” enabling them to evade deportation.

BI Commissioner Joel Viado said on Monday that 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.

READ: Hontiveros scores BI over Pogo ‘deportation gone wrong’

However, Viado noted the only exception is in cases where no direct route exists from the Philippines.

Viado called this latest move a “firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures” in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, which banned Pogo operations nationwide.

“This is uncharted territory since we started mass deportations and arrests this year,” Viado said in a statement.

“Removing direct flights for Pogo-related foreign nationals would lower opportunities of them expanding their operations in other countries in the Asian region,” he added.

READ: PAOCC: Some Pogo bosses still in PH despite ban

Viado thanked Hontiveros and other lawmakers for raising this issue.

“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,” Viado said.

Viado said BI will continue to review and strengthen the agency’s deportation process  to prevent criminals from evading justice.

“This is just the beginning,” he said.