Arrest Warrants Issued in Human Trafficking Case
The Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles, Pampanga has issued arrest warrants against former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others. They face charges related to qualified human trafficking linked to the alleged scam hub known as Lucky South 99.
The court’s decision came on a Thursday, instructing the immediate arrest of those implicated. Documents reveal 11 separate cases filed against the accused for violating Republic Act 9208, also called the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
Lucky South 99 and Alleged Human Trafficking Activities
Lucky South 99 operated as a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility located in Porac, Pampanga. The site was raided early in 2024 after authorities uncovered evidence of serious crimes.
According to a government commission against organized crime, investigators found signs of torture, kidnapping, and sex trafficking at the facility. At least 158 foreign workers were rescued during the operation.
However, representatives of Lucky South 99 strongly denied all accusations against the company.
Linking Key Figures to the Scam Hub
During hearings related to the raid, Roque and Ong were allegedly connected to the operation of the POGO firm. Roque is accused of assisting the company in obtaining its operating license, while Ong was identified as the authorized representative of Lucky South 99.
Official documents for the license renewal also list Roque as the head of the legal department for the company. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation subsequently rejected the firm’s license application.
Denials and Current Status of Accused Individuals
Roque has denied all allegations, claiming he only accompanied Ong because he believed she was a victim of fraud. Currently, Roque is in the Netherlands, where he has applied for asylum to reside permanently.
In a Facebook statement, Roque described the arrest warrant as part of political persecution due to his loyalty to former President Rodrigo Duterte. He said, “I will seek all available legal remedies to secure my life and liberty which are currently under threat.”
He added, “I reiterate: This is not flight as evidence of guilt but the exercise of a human right to asylum.”
For more updates on qualified human trafficking, visit Filipinokami.com.