The Philippines Bureau of Immigration recently issued new regulations requiring all foreign nationals expelled for involvement in illegal offshore gaming operations (POGO) to take direct flights back to their home countries, unless there are no direct flights available. This measure aims to plug loopholes in the expulsion process and prevent these individuals from staying in other countries or continuing illegal activities.
Tightening expulsion policies to close legal loopholes
According to a statement released by the Bureau on Tuesday, the order is based on Immigration Commission Resolution 2025-002 and took effect last Friday. Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado stated that this move is a key step in the government's comprehensive crackdown on POGO, ensuring stricter enforcement of expulsion policies.
"This is a new attempt, as we have launched large-scale arrests and deportations this year to implement the comprehensive ban on POGO announced by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.," Viado emphasized, "Direct deportation reduces the possibility of these foreigners re-establishing businesses in other Asian countries."
Interdepartmental collaboration to ensure policy implementation
The Bureau of Immigration is working closely with the Department of Justice, major airlines, and foreign embassies to ensure the smooth implementation of the new rules. Additionally, Viado called on Congress to expedite related legislation to further solidify the legal foundation of the expulsion policy.
Viado especially thanked Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros for their key roles in exposing illegal POGO issues and promoting related legislation. He stated, "Their efforts help to fill gaps in immigration policy, ensuring that foreign criminal groups cannot exploit the existing system to evade sanctions."
Enhancing security measures to prevent deportees from re-entering
The Bureau of Immigration also revealed that it will further optimize the deportation process and implement stricter security measures to prevent deportees from attempting to return to the Philippines or continue evading legal accountability.
"This is just the first step; we will continue to improve the deportation process to prevent any attempts to evade legal responsibilities," Viado stated, "The government's determination to combat transnational crime and strengthen national security is unwavering, and any foreign criminals attempting to use the Philippines as a haven for crime will be thoroughly eradicated."
The Philippines intensifies crackdown, leaving no hiding place for illegal gambling
The implementation of the new policy signifies that the Philippine government's efforts to combat POGO and related illegal activities are intensifying. In the future, the government may introduce more complementary measures to further ensure that illegal gambling groups have nowhere to hide. This series of actions marks a solid step by the Philippines towards a comprehensive cleanup of POGO, ensuring national security and social stability.
