BI bans layover 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, following concerns raised during a Senate investigation.
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 fugitives have exploited.
“This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures. Layovers give criminals opportunities to escape or receive assistance from powerful backers. We will no longer allow this,” Viado said.
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 criminals cannot exploit our system. We stand with them in making our immigration policies stronger and more secure,” Viado said.
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 and real-time monitoring of deportees in transit.
“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.
