A total of 69 Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were trapped working as online gambling operators in the Philippines have been gradually repatriated since Tuesday evening, October 22 2024.
Their return came after Philippine authorities carried out raids on illegal online gambling activities.
Head of the National Police’s Intermediate Division, Inspector General Krishna Murti, stated that his party would investigate the process of the Indonesian citizen’s departure. If indications of legal violations are found, the parties involved in recruiting and sending them will be legally processed in Indonesia.
“We will identify how they can leave, who is responsible, and if criminal elements are found, the legal process will be carried out by the Soetta Airport Police. If this case covers a wider area, it will be transferred to the Metro Jaya Police or even to the Criminal Investigation Unit,” ” said Krishna when confirmed, Wednesday (23/10).
Krishna emphasized that the law would be enforced against anyone involved in organizing the departure of Indonesian citizens. Currently, the Indonesian citizens are still in the process of being investigated to find out more about the roles of the parties involved.
On the other hand, Indonesian Police Attaché in Manila, Senior Commissioner Retno Prihawati, explained that the Indonesian citizens were arrested by Philippine authorities at the Tourist Garden Hotel, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu.
They are deceived by promises of work as telemarketers or customer service, but instead was employed as an online gambling operator without receiving the promised rights.
“Previously, these Indonesian citizens asked for help because they felt they had been cheated about the jobs they were promised. They were initially promised telemarketing or customer service positions, but ended up working as online gambling operators with salaries that were not appropriate,” said Retno.
The Indonesian citizens were promised a salary of 70 thousand pesos or around Rp. 21 million. However, only IDR 1-2 million was received due to various cuts, especially because they did not reach the set targets.
Philippine Policy Closes Online Gambling
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has issued instructions in July 2024 to close down online gambling operations, especially in the sector Philippines Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO). In fact, companies still involved in this sector are required to leave the Philippines by December 2024.
“The Philippine government has lowered the visa status of all foreigners working in the online gambling sector, including Indonesian citizens, as part of their steps to eradicate this industry,” added Retno, who also monitored the return of these Indonesian citizens. (Z-10)
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