The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has mandated that foreign fugitives involved in Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO)-related crimes be deported only via direct flights to ensure their return to their home countries.
The new policy, outlined in BI Board of Commissioners Resolution 2025-002, closes a loophole that previously allowed deportees to evade repatriation.
This decision follows concerns raised by the Senate and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission after reports that certain deported POGO bosses did not reach China.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the BI is working with airlines and embassies to enforce the directive and explore additional security measures.
Viado urged lawmakers to institutionalize the policy to strengthen the country’s deportation procedures further.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 25, 2025
