Seven Indonesian POGO workers surrender to PAOCC due to EO ban, face salary cuts and threats

Seven Indonesian workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) surrendered to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Friday.

Their work visas were canceled and they ran out of money, leading them to decide to return to Indonesia.

Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz stated that the Indonesians surrendered after learning about Executive Order 74 banning POGOs in the Philippines.

Bruno, one of the surrendering workers, revealed that they had moved between different POGO companies and engaged in scamming activities.

The workers endured verbal abuse and threats but did not suffer physical abuse; however, they experienced significant salary deductions if they failed to meet their quotas.

Currently under PAOCC custody, the Indonesians will undergo debriefing and profiling by the Bureau of Immigration before being repatriated with assistance from the Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines.

Since last year, a total of 30 foreign POGO workers have surrendered to the PAOCC.