Senator Win Gatchalian has urged the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to implement stricter deportation protocols for former workers of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry, which was banned earlier this year.

Gatchalian raised concerns over the current practice of allowing deportees to take layover flights, which he believes enables them to evade accountability and potentially return to criminal activities. He pointed out that such protocols undermine efforts to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.

“It doesn’t make sense that we catch these criminals, deport them, and then allow them to escape through transit flights, only to return to the Philippines and resume their old ways,” Gatchalian remarked during a recent Senate hearing.

The senator proposed that the Bureau of Immigration change its policy, ensuring that deportees are directly returned to their country of origin for proper legal proceedings. Immigration Chief Joel Viado agreed, assuring that steps would be taken to prevent deportees from re-entering the country, particularly those already blacklisted.

Gatchalian also highlighted the risk of deportees using their connections and resources to evade authorities. He cited an incident on March 7, where 21 deportees slated for repatriation to China were instead diverted to Kuala Lumpur and eventually made their way to Cambodia, raising concerns over the potential for further evasion.

The senator’s call aims to close loopholes and ensure that deported individuals face justice in their home countries without the possibility of returning to the Philippines.