9 Indonesian POGO workers seek PAOCC help

MANILA, Philippines — Nine Indonesians previously working at Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs surrendered to the government on Friday, hoping to get an expedited repatriation.

Gilbert Cruz, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director, said the foreigners, seven men and two women, sought refuge at the PAOCC custodial facility in Pasay City.

He said the Indonesians admitted working at POGOs involved in online betting and scamming activities.

Although none of them recounted any form of physical maltreatment, Cruz said the foreigners claimed they did not get their full salaries whenever they fail to meet the quotas set by their employers.

“This is a salient indication of labor trafficking that exploited their economic vulnerabilities,” Cruz said in a message on Viber.

The Indonesians joined 30 of their compatriots who were rescued from a POGO facility in Pasay.

The PAOCC will request the Bureau of Immigration to facilitate their immediate repatriation.