The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has prohibited deportation flights with layovers for foreign fugitives involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related crimes.

This comes after the BI Resolution No. 2025-002 — signed 21 March 2025 — mandated that deported POGO-linked foreign nationals must be sent home via direct flights, unless direct flights are unavailable.

“This policy closes a critical loophole that POGO deportees have exploited,” said BI commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado.

He said the move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s POGO ban and subsequent mass deportations and arrests.

“The Senate hearings gave us the opportunity to hear more viewpoints, which we have incorporated into our deliberations. This is a crucial step in fortifying our deportation protocols,” Viado said.

“Foreign nationals connected to POGO would have fewer options to grow their businesses in other Asian nations if direct flights were eliminated,” he added.

The decision comes after Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian called for stricter measures to prevent criminals from abusing deportation procedures.

Viado thanked the senators and other lawmakers for their support in closing the loopholes.

The BI is working with airlines and foreign embassies, in coordination with the Department of Justice, to ensure smooth implementation of the new policy. The bureau has also requested legislative support for the policy’s institutionalization.

It is also exploring further security enhancements for deportation processes, including closer cooperation with foreign law enforcement.

“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 policy shows that the government is serious about combating transnational crimes and strengthening the security of our country,” he added.