BI TO REQUIRE DIRECT FLIGHTS FOR POGO-LINKED DEPORTEES

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has officially banned deportation flights with layovers for foreign fugitives involved in POGO-related crimes.

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.

BI Commissioner Joel Viado emphasized that this policy closes a critical loophole that POGO deportees have exploited.

“This is unchartered territory since we started mass deportations and arrests this year in compliance with President Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos’ declaration of a POGO ban,” said Viado.

“The discussions during senate hearings allowed us to hear other perspective that we have included in our discussions. This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures,” he added.

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

Viado expressed his 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. 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.

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

Viado also urged lawmakers to explore further legislative support to institutionalize the policy.

The Bureau is also studying additional security enhancements for deportation procedures, including tighter coordination with law enforcement agencies abroad.

“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 added.

“Pinapakita ng polisiyang ito na seryoso ang pamahalaan sa pagsugpo ng transnational crimes at pagpapalakas ng seguridad ng ating bansa. Hindi natin papayagan ang mga dayuhang kriminal na samantalahin ang ating sistema. Ang ating mensahe ay malinaw—kung ikaw ay lumabag sa batas, sisiguraduhin namin na tuluyan kang mapapalabas ng Pilipinas nang walang pagkakataong mapalawak ang inyong sindikato,” said Viado.