Police Launch Manhunt After Arrest in Human Trafficking Case
Authorities have intensified their efforts following the arrest of an operations officer linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Pampanga. The arrest marks the beginning of a determined police manhunt targeting lawyer Harry Roque and others accused in a human trafficking case.
Law enforcement agents from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) apprehended Marlon, the operations officer of a security agency, during a raid in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City. The arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by an Angeles City court.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
CIDG officials confirmed that the case is non-bailable for Roque, Cassandra Ong, Marlon, and 48 additional suspects. “The arrest was a result of one week of operation to hunt for those who are in the arrest warrant,” said a CIDG spokesperson familiar with the investigation.
Marlon served as the operations officer for the security agency overseeing Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a POGO facility in Porac town where the qualified trafficking in persons allegedly took place. This arrest underscores the authorities’ unwavering commitment to bringing fugitives to justice and supporting victims seeking redress.
Ongoing Pursuit of Suspects
The CIDG has assembled specialized teams to track down all individuals named in the qualified trafficking charges. These efforts focus on Roque and his alleged accomplices connected to the POGO operation in Porac.
Currently, Roque is reported to be abroad. The Department of Justice has announced plans to pursue the cancellation of his passport and seek his inclusion in the International Police Red Notice to facilitate his arrest.
Authorities vow that Marlon’s arrest is only the beginning in their campaign to hold all parties accountable for human trafficking offenses linked to POGO operations in Pampanga.
For more news and updates on human trafficking in Pampanga, visit Filipinokami.com.
