The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested another co-accused of former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque and Cassandra “Cassy” Ong in linked to a high-profile qualified trafficking case.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias "Mariano" and was nabbed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Anti-Organized Crime Unit (CIDG AOCU) on Thursday, May 29 at the Clark, Pampanga.
"Mariano is one of the Security Guards rendering duty when the alleged qualified trafficking in persons happened in Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga," CIDG wrote in a press release on Saturday, May 31.
CIDG Director PMGen Ronald O. Torre III urged the remaining suspects to voluntarily surrender to the authorities, emphasizing the CIDG's determination to bring justice to the victims.
"This is the 2nd of the 51," said Torre.
"I urge the other 49 co-accused to surrender yourselves to the CIDG and authorities because the Tracker Teams are pursuing you 24/7 and will catch you anytime soon. Isa-isa na kayong natutunton," he added.
Roque along with other accused, will face charges of Qualified Trafficking in Persons under Republic Act 9208, as amended, with no bail recommended.
On May 15, the Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City issued warrants of arrest against Roque and his 50 co-accused after finding probable cause to proceed with trial for multiple violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
The issuance of the arrest warrant followed a complaint filed by the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU), which stemmed from the "implementation of Search Warrants for Violation of Republic Act 9208 (Anti- Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended) in alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs - Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. in Grand Palazzo Royals, Fil-Am Friendship Hi-way, Brgy. Cutcut, Porac, Angeles City, Pampanga on June 7, 2024".
On the other hand, the first co-accused to be arrested, known by the alias "Marlon," was arrested on May 22, 2025 in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, where he served as the operations officer of the security agency assigned to Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc.
Among the accused is Katherine “Cassandra” Li Ong, a prominent figure in the POGO industry, who is believed to have played a key administrative role in the operations of Lucky South 99.
Roque is currently reported to be seeking asylum in the Netherlands and has dismissed the charges as a form of “political prosecution.”
