Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado shared that an Indonesian man previously arrested by the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in Bagac, Bataan has been deported.

Handoyo Salman, 40, was among the 42 foreign nationals arrested by the PAOCC and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) last October 31 after they were reportedly found to be engaged in online gambling activities.

Upon verification with the Indonesian government, Viado said that Handoyo was found to be wanted in Indonesia for violation of information and electronic transactions and money laundering crimes.

He was ordered deported by the BI’s board of Commissioners for undesirability for being a fugitive from justice.  He was sent back to Indonesia last November 21.

Meanwhile, Viado clarified that 41 other foreign nationals arrested in Bataan are still undergoing deportation proceedings.

Viado issued this clarification following reports suggesting that the foreign nationals had been freed.

He emphasized that the cases remain active, with the BI committed to pursuing due process in compliance with the directive from Malacañang.

 “These individuals are still facing deportation cases on grounds of undesirability,“ said Viado.  “However, their physical custody has been transferred under recognizance to Bataan Representative Albert Garcia and their legal counsel,” he explained.

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

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

“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,” Viado concluded.

He added that the aliens will not be able to flee the country to avoid facing their charges as their passports are with the BI and their names have been included in the BI’s hold departure list.