Indonesian fugitive arrested in alleged Bataan POGO firm deported

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported an Indonesian fugitive who was among the 42 foreigners arrested in a raided a business process outsourcing (BPO) compound in Bagac, Bataan.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said Handoyo Salman, 40, is wanted in his country over his alleged involvement in scamming activities, money laundering, and online gambling. He was ordered deported for being an undesirable alien and was sent back to Indonesia on November 21, 2024.

The remaining foreign nationals are still undergoing deportation proceedings but their “physical custody has been transferred under recognizance to Bataan Representative Albert Garcia and their legal counsel,” Viado said in a statement.

According to the BI chief, bail via recognizance meant that the subjects are not released but their physical custody are transferred to the individual providing legal guarantee during the course of the deportation case.

Garcia, as the public official overseeing the area where the foreigners were arrested, offered the necessary legal guarantee within his jurisdiction.

“All 41 foreign nationals are still registered in our system, with cases ongoing. Should they be found liable, they will also face deportation in accordance with Philippine law,” said Viado.

Viado also said the BI is now holding the foreigners’ passports and their names were included in the hold departure list.

Last month, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raided Central One Bataan due to alleged labor trafficking. Arrested were 42 foreigners. The CEO of Central One Bataan previously denied the accusations against the company.

Malacañang last week ordered the deportation of the nabbed foreigners. — Sundy Locus/RSJ, GMA Integrated News