The Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced potential actions against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Cassandra Ong, including a hold departure order for Ong and an Interpol arrest for Roque, following the issuance of arrest warrants by a Pampanga court.
According to The Philippine News Agency, these warrants stem from non-bailable charges of human trafficking related to the operations of Lucky South 99 Corp., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub recently raided in Porac.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed that the prosecution may seek a hold departure order to prevent the accused from leaving the country and to ensure they face charges of Qualified Human Trafficking.
Clavano explained that since Roque is currently abroad, the DOJ will utilize diplomatic channels, including Interpol, to facilitate his arrest. “We want to clarify that this is a matter of prosecution for a crime in the Philippines,” he stated, emphasizing that Roque is among many accused and not being singled out.
The Angeles City Regional Trial Court issued the arrest warrants on May 8th after finding probable cause for violations under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
This law penalizes various forms of human trafficking, including forced labor and involuntary servitude. Roque is accused of involvement not only as a lawyer for Whirlwind, the company leasing its compound to Lucky South 99, but also in organizing the POGO firm.
Workers rescued from the raided operation, including Chinese nationals, reported being kidnapped and forced to work in online scams. Roque has consistently maintained his innocence and is prepared to pursue legal remedies.
Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged him to return to the Philippines and face the charges, stating that evading the law is unbecoming of a lawyer. “Harry Roque must be compelled to return to the Philippines. If he doesn’t, he would be evading an arrest order from Congress,” she asserted.
Hontiveros also raised concerns about Roque’s connections to individuals involved in the scandal, highlighting the arrest of Duanren Wu, linked to Ong and investigated for attempting to acquire Filipino citizenship through questionable means. She warned that these dubious connections need to be scrutinized, emphasizing the importance of accountability for those found guilty.
As the DOJ moves forward with its legal actions, the case highlights the ongoing issues of human trafficking and exploitation within the POGO industry in the Philippines, prompting calls for greater oversight and stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect vulnerable individuals.
