Immigration bans layovers for POGO-linked deportees | ABS-CBN
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Immigration bans layovers for POGO-linked deportees
Immigration bans layovers for POGO-linked deportees
ABS-CBN News
Published Mar 24, 2025 11:08 AM PHT
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Monday it officially banned deportation flights with layovers for foreign fugitives involved in crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operations.
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Monday it officially banned deportation flights with layovers for foreign fugitives involved in crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operations.
The BI said in a statement that deported foreigners linked 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 BI said in a statement that deported foreigners linked to POGOs "can only be placed on direct flights to their home countries, except in cases where no direct route exists from the Philippines."
BI Commissioner Joel Viado said the policy was aimed at closing "a critical loophole" that POGO deportees exploited.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado said the policy was aimed at closing "a critical loophole" that POGO deportees exploited.
"This is unchartered territory since we started mass deportations and arrests this year in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of a POGO ban," Viado said.
"This is unchartered territory since we started mass deportations and arrests this year in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of a POGO ban," Viado said.
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"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.
"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.
Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian earlier pushed for tighter measures to prevent high-profile criminals from manipulating deportation protocols, BI noted.
Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian earlier pushed for tighter measures to prevent high-profile criminals from manipulating deportation protocols, BI noted.
"It doesn't make sense na nahuhuli natin itong mga kawatan na ito, ide-deport natin, tapos hahayaan lang natin silang makawala sa transit flight hanggang bumalik na sila uli dito sa Pilipinas at bumalik sa dating gawi," Gatchalian said at a recent Senate hearing.
"It doesn't make sense na nahuhuli natin itong mga kawatan na ito, ide-deport natin, tapos hahayaan lang natin silang makawala sa transit flight hanggang bumalik na sila uli dito sa Pilipinas at bumalik sa dating gawi," Gatchalian said at a recent Senate hearing.
He noted that many POGO deportees have the connection and the means to evade authorities if they want to.
He noted that many POGO deportees have the connection and the means to evade authorities if they want to.
"I have received information that around March 7, about 21 deportees were supposed to be transported back to China but were instead diverted to Kuala Lumpur and eventually went to Cambodia," the senator said.
"I have received information that around March 7, about 21 deportees were supposed to be transported back to China but were instead diverted to Kuala Lumpur and eventually went to Cambodia," the senator said.
The BI said it has coordinated with the Department of Justice and has begun working with airlines and foreign embassies to ensure smooth enforcement of the new policy.
The BI said it has coordinated with the Department of Justice and has begun working with airlines and foreign embassies to ensure smooth enforcement of the new policy.
It added it was studying additional security enhancements for deportation procedures, including stricter coordination with law enforcement agencies abroad.
It added it was studying additional security enhancements for deportation procedures, including stricter coordination with law enforcement agencies abroad.
Viado meanwhile urged lawmakers to explore further legislative support to institutionalize the policy.
Viado meanwhile urged lawmakers to explore further legislative support to institutionalize the policy.
"This is just the beginning. We will continue reviewing and strengthening our deportation processes to prevent criminals from finding ways back into the country or evading justice," Viado said.
"This is just the beginning. We will continue reviewing and strengthening our deportation processes to prevent criminals from finding ways back into the country or evading justice," Viado said.
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