The regional trial court (RTC) in Angeles, Pampanga, has ordered the arrest of former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Harry Roque and 49 other individuals in connection with an alleged human trafficking case linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
This was confirmed by Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano on DZRH.
Among the accused is Katherine “Cassandra” Li Ong, a known POGO industry figure, is believed to have played a major administrative role in Lucky South 99’s operations.
Accused individuals were a mix of Filipinos and foreign nationals including people using aliases such as “Sir Benjamin,” “Boss Terry,” “Bruce,” and “Ah Wen.”
In an order released on Thursday, May 15, the court found probable cause to proceed with trial against Roque and his co-accused for multiple non-bailable violations of the Republic Act 9208 or Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
According to the warrant, 11 separate Informations were filed on April 7, 2025, alleging systematic and large-scale human trafficking operations involving foreign nationals, allegedly held under coercive and exploitative conditions at POGO sites.
The warrant stemmed from their alleged involvement in illicit activities tied to the operations of the Lucky South 99 scam hub, a POGO facility located in Porac, Pampanga.
Meanwhile, Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands, has claimed that the issuance of a warrant for his arrest is part of what he describes as an "unjust prosecution."
"I am a victim of political persecution by the Marcos government because I am an ally of the Dutertes," Roque wrote in a Facebook post.
He said he intends to pursue all available legal remedies to protect his life and liberty, which he claims are under threat.
"I reiterate: this is not flight as evidence of guilt but the exercise of a human right to asylum," Roque concluded.
