Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration bans layover flights for POGO fugitives
The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration has further tightened restrictions for foreign nationals linked to crimes associated with POGOs, by banning deportation flights with layovers.
Under its Board of Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-002, deported individuals may only return home on a direct flight, not including cases where no direct flight exists.
The Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado explained that the tighter sanctions on deported nationals are to end a once-exploited loophole, and coincide with Filipino President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s POGO executive order banning offshore operators in the country.
Viado confirmed the intention for the change to be a firm step in strengthening deportation procedures, adding that the move would lower opportunities for deportees to expand their operations in other Asian countries.
Viado also announced that the Bureau of Immigration would work with the Department of Justice to ensure a smooth transition of the new regulation with airlines and foreign embassies.
This week saw a raid on a POGO in Makati City lead to the arrest of 131 individuals, made up of 96 foreigners and 35 Filipinos.
Local authorities were tipped off to the illegal operation being run from the offices of software company Flying Future Services. The raid uncovered various electronic devices and documents used for POGO operations.
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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