PAOCC, PNP-CIDG file trafficking complaint vs Ong, 53 others over POGO raid

A non-bailable human trafficking complaint has been filed against Katherine Cassandra Ong and 53 others before the Department of Justice concerning the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm, Lucky South 99, in Porac, Pampanga.

The complaint was lodged by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

The complaint is based on Ong's alleged ties to Lucky South 99, which was raided by authorities due to allegations of human trafficking.

Authorities cited Ong's failure to attend a previous House of Representatives invitation due to her ties with Lucky South 99 as a reason for her supposed connection to the POGO, leading to an arrest order.

Ong was arrested in Indonesia, deported to the Philippines, and placed under House custody before she could attend the hearing.

Among the other respondents named by DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty are Whirlwind Corporation executive Duanren Wu, Lucky South 99 corporate secretary Ronalyn Baterna, former president Stephanie Mascarenas, and representative Dennis Cunanan.

Also mentioned was Singaporean national Zhang Jie, former president of Lucky South 99 Outsourcing.

PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio noted that Ong allegedly assisted Alice Guo in booking a hotel in Batam, suggesting a connection between the Porac and Bamban organizations.