Tracker Teams Deployed Nationwide to Serve Arrest Warrants
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has activated tracker teams across the country to serve arrest warrants against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and several others. This effort began on Thursday and continues nationwide as authorities pursue the individuals named in the warrants.
According to CIDG, “As of early morning today, the Tracker Teams are tracking and pursuing the 51 accused-subjects of the arrest warrant, across the country.” These warrants relate to charges of qualified trafficking in persons linked to illegal activities at the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99 in Pampanga.
Background on the Arrest Warrants and Accusations
The arrest warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City, Pampanga, on Thursday. Roque and several others are alleged to have been involved in trafficking offenses connected to the POGO hub.
However, Roque has denied these accusations, stating he was never a legal counsel for any illegal POGO operations and was not the counsel for Lucky South 99. He explained that he only accompanied Ong to a meeting because he believed she was a victim of estafa.
Currently, Roque is seeking asylum in The Netherlands. In a statement released Thursday afternoon, he described the arrest warrant as part of “unjust prosecution” and plans to include this in his asylum application.
He stated, “I am a victim of political persecution by the Marcos government because I am an ally of the Dutertes.” He also clarified, “I reiterate: this is not flight as evidence of guilt but the exercise of a human right to asylum.”
CIDG’s Stance on the Manhunt and Arrests
Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, CIDG chief, emphasized that manhunts and arrests of fugitives and wanted persons remain a core responsibility of the CIDG. He assured the public that the agency is relentless in its efforts to find and apprehend wanted individuals.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless in its campaign against wanted persons and fugitives, and steadfast in implementing all laws and arrest its violators. The CIDG is dauntless, the CIDG means business,” Torre said.
As the tracker teams continue their nationwide pursuit, authorities remain committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that individuals named in the warrants face justice.
For more updates on tracker teams deployed nationwide, visit Filipinokami.com.