Manila, March 24 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has banned deportation flights with layovers for foreign fugitives involved in crimes linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

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.

The move puts an end to a critical loophole that POGO deportees have exploited and comply with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive of a total POGO ban, BI Commissioner Joel Viado said in a news release Monday.

"This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures. Removing di...