The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested one of the 50 co-accused of former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque in connection with the large-scale human trafficking operations at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
CIDG Director PMGen Ronald O. Torre III identified the suspect, alias “Marlon,” and was arrested on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
“Marlon was the Operation Officer of the Security Agency operating when the qualified trafficking in persons happened in Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga,” the PNP-CIDG wrote in a statement.
The arrest is linked to charges stemming from a June 7, 2024, CIDG-led raid on Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a suspected illegal POGO hub located in Grand Palazzo Royals, Fil-Am Friendship Hi-way, Barangay Cutcut, Porac, Pampanga.
Marlon faces multiple charges for Qualified Trafficking in Persons under Criminal Case No. R-ANG-25-01263-CR, issued by the regional trial court Branch 118 in Angeles City, Pampanga, with no bail recommended.
He is also subject to another warrant for 10 additional counts of qualified trafficking under Criminal Case Nos. R-ANG-25-01264 to 012373-CR, likewise with no bail recommended.
“This is the 1st of the 51,” said Torre.
Meanwhile, authorities urged the remaining 50 co-accused to voluntarily surrender, warning that “Tracker Teams are actively pursuing them 24/7” and could apprehend them at any moment.
Meanwhile, the RTC in Angeles City, on May 15, issued warrants of arrest for Roque and his co-accused after finding probable cause to proceed with trial for multiple violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (Republic Act 9208 as amended).
Aside from Roque, Katherine “Cassandra” Li Ong — a prominent figure in the POGO industry — is also among the accused and is believed to have held a key administrative role in the operations of Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc.
Currently, Harry Roque is reportedly seeking asylum in the Netherlands and has argued the arrest warrant as a “political prosecution.”
