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CIDG tracker teams to look for Roque, others in POGO trafficking case
An Angeles court has issued arrest warrants for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others in connection with qualified trafficking in persons charges related to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has deployed tracker teams nationwide to serve these warrants against the 50 accused subjects.
The raid on the POGO hub in June 2024 uncovered evidence of torture, kidnapping, and sex trafficking, leading to the rescue of at least 158 foreign employees.
Roque is accused of assisting in securing an operating license for the hub and organizing the POGO firm, though he denies involvement and claims political persecution.
The court found probable cause against Roque, Ong, and nine others for non-bailable violations under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in The Netherlands, stated that the issuance of the arrest warrant forms part of the "unjust prosecution" he intends to note in his asylum application.
The DOJ previously stated it may seek Interpol's assistance in apprehending Roque, and the Philippines and the Netherlands lack an extradition treaty.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the arrest warrant against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for qualified human trafficking can be served through Interpol and diplomatic channels, as he is currently abroad.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is urging former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines after an arrest warrant was issued against him.
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering seeking the assistance of Interpol to serve an arrest warrant against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is facing qualified trafficking charges.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to request an Interpol red notice against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is facing qualified human trafficking charges.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that the implementation of an arrest warrant against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is up to the government of the Netherlands, with the decision dependent on his pending asylum request.
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