BI nabs 5 Chinese POGO workers allegedly attempting to flee PHL

The Bureau of Immigration arrested five Chinese nationals—blacklisted Philippine offshore gaming operator workers—as they attempted to flee the country by boat from Tawi-Tawi.

According to a report from Unang Balita on Monday, the group's escape was foiled when their boat broke down, leading to their arrest.

The five individuals were linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, which authorities raided in June 2024.

The BI is currently investigating how the Chinese POGO workers managed to travel to Mindanao.

BI bans layover flights

Meanwhile, the BI has formally banned the use of deportation flights with layovers for POGO workers following reports that some of the deportees escape during layovers. 

Under BI Board of Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-002, deported foreign nationals with links to POGOs can only be placed on direct flights to their home countries, except in cases where there are no direct route from the Philippines.

“This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures,” said BI Commissioner Joel Viado.

In February, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said several Chinese POGO workers who were being deported after getting arrested in the country were able to escape during layovers en route to China.

This was echoed by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Win Gatchalian in a Senate hearing early this month.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to Senators Gatchalian, Hontiveros, at sa lahat ng mambabatas na tumulong sa pagsulong ng repormang ito (and all lawmakers who helped push the reforms). Their commitment to closing loopholes in our deportation process has been instrumental in ensuring that foreign syndicates cannot exploit our system. We stand with them in making our immigration policies stronger and more secure," Viado said.

The BI, in coordination with the Department of Justice, has begun working with airlines and foreign embassies to ensure smooth enforcement of the new directive. Viado also urged lawmakers to explore further legislative support to institutionalize the policy.

"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," he said. 

“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 added.

(We will not allow foreign criminals to take advantage of our system. Our message is clear—if you violated the law, we will make sure that you will be deported so you will not have opportunity to expand your syndicate.) —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News