PAOCC asks BI to block POGO workers from leaving via transit flights

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has requested that the Bureau of Immigration prevent workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from leaving the country via connecting flights.

Several POGO workers have managed to escape during deportation processes by taking transit flights through other countries like Kuala Lumpur or Macau, according to PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio.

Casio emphasized that direct flights back to China are required under Chinese law and stressed the need for stricter enforcement measures to prevent escapes during layovers.

The PAOCC has spent around P210 million since 2023 on detaining POGO workers arrested in recent crackdowns, with twelve cases filed against POGO personalities and eight more undergoing preliminary investigation as of February 14th.

PAOCC is preparing additional cases related to illegal gambling operations, bringing the total number of pending investigations to thirteen.

The Chinese Embassy has coordinated with PAOCC to request that connecting flights not be allowed for arrested nationals, highlighting concerns over escapes during layovers.