NBI, BI aim for same-day clearances for POGO deportees

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has agreed to issue clearances more quickly to foreign nationals facing deportation after being arrested for working in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with the goal of issuing clearances within one day.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado stated on Monday, February 24, that both agencies aim to expedite the process to comply with President Marcos's directive to ban POGOs from the country.

Deportation procedures require a valid passport or travel document, an outbound ticket, and a NBI clearance to confirm no pending legal issues in the Philippines.

To accelerate these deportations, the BI has coordinated with the NBI for same-day clearance issuance, reducing government costs associated with detention.

As of now, there are still approximately 10,650 POGO-related foreigners remaining in the country, and around 2,000 workers have already been deported following arrests.

The Immigration Bureau will continue to prioritize swift deportation using all available means.