No more transit flights for deported POGO workers

MANILA, Philippines — Transit flights for deported Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers are now banned amid reports of their escape.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said deported foreigners linked to POGOs should board direct flights, except if no direct route exists from the Philippines.

This measure will plug a critical loophole that deportees have exploited, according to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

Authorities have been criticized for allowing foreign POGO workers to book their own flights back to their countries, which they took advantage of by arranging layovers to avoid deportation.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has said the BI policy enabled the possible escape of POGO “bosses.”

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said three Chinese POGO workers, who were among the first to be deported in January, may have escaped during a layover in Hong Kong since they never made it to China.

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

“Discussions during Senate hearings allowed us to hear other perspectives that we have included in our discussions. This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures,” Viado noted.

He urged lawmakers to provide legislative support to institutionalize the policy.

The BI has started working with airlines and embassies to ensure smooth enforcement of the directive.

Additional security enhancements for deportation procedures are also being studied, including tighter coordination with law enforcement agencies abroad, according to Viado.