A Pampanga court issued arrest warrants against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, businesswoman Cassandra Ong, and 48 others.
They face charges of alleged qualified human trafficking linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City released the warrants after the Department of Justice filed 11 separate complaints on May 10, 2024.
The case involves Lucky South 99, a POGO firm raided in 2024 over reported abuse, kidnapping, and exploitation of foreign workers.
Authorities rescued 158 foreign nationals from the facility during the raid. Some victims alleged torture and sexual abuse.
Prosecutors said the trafficking was syndicated and large-scale, making it a non-bailable offense.
Cassandra Ong, listed as an incorporator of Whirlwind Corporation, leased the land to Lucky South 99 and reportedly acted as the POGO’s representative.
Ong has not yet issued a statement.
Harry Roque, although denying direct involvement in the operations, admitted assisting Ong in dealings with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
He accompanied her during license renewal efforts.
Roque later left the country and sought asylum in the Netherlands, insisting on his innocence.
Senators and human rights advocates called for due process and full enforcement of the law.
Authorities vowed to continue the crackdown on illegal POGO activities to prevent further human trafficking incidents.
Harry Roque is being investigated for his alleged involvement in a qualified human trafficking case linked to a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. Authorities suspect he helped in activities related to the exploitation of foreign workers at the facility.
Roque faces charges of qualified human trafficking after a raid on Lucky South 99, a POGO operator, uncovered evidence of abuse and exploitation. He allegedly assisted in dealings related to the POGO’s operations and is now subject to arrest warrants issued by the court.
Lucky South 99 is a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility located in Porac, Pampanga, where the alleged human trafficking and exploitation of foreign workers took place.
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