NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Swift Deportation Of Arrested POGO Workers Is Top Priority, Says BI Chief
Photo credit: BI
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is making it clear: when it comes to arrested Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers, quick deportation is their number one priority.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado recently spoke out, emphasizing the urgency of removing foreign nationals involved in illegal POGO operations. This comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a total ban on POGOs, prompting the BI to ramp up efforts to expedite the deportation process.
The topic came up during a Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, where Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the use of tickets with connecting flights during deportation. Viado responded, explaining that any available outbound ticket is used to get these individuals out of the country as quickly as possible.
“The longer these illegal aliens stay, the more the government incurs detention costs,” Viado noted. “Our goal is to get them out of the Philippines as soon as we can. That’s why we’re taking whatever flights we can get their hands on.”
To ensure a faster process, the BI has streamlined deportation procedures. Three key documents are needed for the process: a valid passport or travel document, an NBI clearance, and an outbound ticket. The Deportation and Implementation Unit has also worked closely with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to issue clearances within a single day.
Viado highlighted a recent success story in January, where a group of deportees was repatriated in just two weeks. “Delays only mean more expenses for the government,” he added. “We want to avoid that. The faster we remove these individuals, the better for everyone.”
In short, the BI’s goal is clear: swift deportation, minimal cost, and no delays. And with the progress they’ve made, they’re well on their way to achieving that.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado recently spoke out, emphasizing the urgency of removing foreign nationals involved in illegal POGO operations. This comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a total ban on POGOs, prompting the BI to ramp up efforts to expedite the deportation process.
The topic came up during a Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, where Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the use of tickets with connecting flights during deportation. Viado responded, explaining that any available outbound ticket is used to get these individuals out of the country as quickly as possible.
“The longer these illegal aliens stay, the more the government incurs detention costs,” Viado noted. “Our goal is to get them out of the Philippines as soon as we can. That’s why we’re taking whatever flights we can get their hands on.”
To ensure a faster process, the BI has streamlined deportation procedures. Three key documents are needed for the process: a valid passport or travel document, an NBI clearance, and an outbound ticket. The Deportation and Implementation Unit has also worked closely with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to issue clearances within a single day.
Viado highlighted a recent success story in January, where a group of deportees was repatriated in just two weeks. “Delays only mean more expenses for the government,” he added. “We want to avoid that. The faster we remove these individuals, the better for everyone.”
In short, the BI’s goal is clear: swift deportation, minimal cost, and no delays. And with the progress they’ve made, they’re well on their way to achieving that.
Mar 5, 2025
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