Indonesian Citizens Detained for Online Gambling in Philippines Return Home

Tempo.CO, Tangerang – The Philippine government has deported 69 Indonesian citizens involved in online gambling and cyber-scamming. These individuals will arrive in waves at Soekarno-Hatta Airport between October 22-23, 2024.

Inspector General Khrisna Murti, Head of the International Relations Division (Divhubinter) of the Indonesian National Police, confirmed that these repatriated citizens were apprehended due to their involvement in online gambling operations and cyber-scamming activities. They were held captive at the Tourist Garden Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Province, before their repatriation.

Crackdown on the Philippines’ Online Gambling Industry

“These Indonesian citizens were operators of cyber-scamming and online gambling activities. They were held captive and had their passports confiscated due to their failure to meet targets,” said Khrisna at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Tuesday night, October 22.

Khrisna mentioned that the income for these individuals was 70,000 pesos, equivalent to Rp21 million per month. This crackdown followed the policy of the Philippine government announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, 2024, President Marcos Jr. instructed an immediate ban on the long-running Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGO.

President Marcos Jr. decided that all POGO operations must cease, and all active companies must leave the Philippines before the end of the year. “The Philippine government took this decision to curb the negative social impacts caused by the online gambling industry in the country, including the involvement of foreign workers, such as Indonesian citizens, who work legally or illegally in this sector,” said Khrisna.

Intricate Repatriation Process

The Indonesian National Police’s Divhubinter, through the Police Attache in Manila, actively participated in the identification process and provided assistance to the Indonesian citizens at the location of the crackdown. They also coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and PAOCC to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens and the smooth enforcement of applicable laws.

Divhubinter also supported the biometric data collection process of the victims together with Philippine immigration authorities and ensured the verification of their identities.

The first stage of deportation will involve 35 Indonesian citizens, while another 32 are awaiting repatriation.

Flight Schedule and Arrival Details

Here is the flight schedule of Indonesian citizens repatriated from the Philippines:

1. The first flight, using Scoot TR-278, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on October 22, at 07:10 p.m. Jakarta time. Their initials are PG, I, LR, R, JE, ASP, TS, MSH, NRO, and IIK
2. The second flight, using Cebu Pacific 5J-759, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on October 22, at 11:30 p.m. with passengers’ initials: YA, FR, SW, MAA, RDY, NS, PO, FK, AMH, DF, FR.

On October 22, four waves of repatriation occurred, with two waves arriving at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport, one at Kualanamu Airport, and 1 in Manado.

1. Departing on October 22 from Manila, Philippines, transiting 3 hours in Singapore, then a 17-hour transit in Malaysia. Depart again on October 23 with AirAsia QZ-107, arriving without a chaperone at 09:35 a.m. at Kualanamu Airport: DM and MI.
2. Departing on October 22 from Manila, Philippines, for a 23-hour transit in Singapore. Depart again on October 23 with Scoot TR-276, arriving without a chaperone: MDA and MI.
3. Departing on October 22 from Manila, Philippines, for a 10-hour transit in Singapore. Depart again on October 23 with Scoot TR-216, arriving without a chaperone at Sam Ratulangi Airport at 01:15 p.m.: JJR, TEM, APH.
4. Departing on October 22 from Manila, Philippines, for a 19-hour transit in Singapore. Depart again on October 23 with Scoot TR-278, arriving without a chaperone at Soekarno-Hatta Airport at 07:10 p.m.: AF, S, TAS, YPM, and S as well as BH.

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