Metro Manila, Philippines – Foreign nationals involved in crimes linked to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) must be deported through a direct flight, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday, March 24.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado explained that banning a flight with layovers would “lower opportunities” of POGOs expanding operations in other Asian nations.
The ban, however, is not applicable to those bound for countries with no direct route from the Philippines.
“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,” Viado said in a statement.
[Translation: This policy shows that the government is serious in combating transnational crimes and strengthening the country’s security. We will not allow foreign criminals to take advantage of our system. Our message is clear—if you violate the law, we will ensure that you will be taken out of the Philippines without a chance to expand your syndicate.]
The BI has started coordinating with foreign embassies and airlines for the directive’s enforcement. It is also considering more security enhancements for deportation procedures.
The development came after senators called for heightened measures to stop criminals from manipulation of deportation protocols.
Viado appealed to lawmakers to look into legislative support for the policy’s institutionalization.
