Angeles court issues arrest warrant for Roque, Ong in POGO trafficking case

An arrest warrant has been issued by an Angeles court for lawyer Harry Roque and businesswoman Cassandra Ong, among others, in connection with alleged human trafficking related to Lucky South 99 Corp., a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

Roque served as Palace spokesman during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency but left the Philippines in September after being cited for contempt and is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands, claiming political persecution through unjust prosecution.

The court found probable cause against Roque and others for violations under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, which penalize recruitment and forced labor.

Workers from the raided firm, including Chinese nationals, have claimed that they were kidnapped, held against their will, and forced to work until their recruitment fees were repaid.

Prosecutors allege that Roque was aware or willfully ignored the unlawful nature of Lucky South 99's operations while serving as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corp. and actively participated in securing the renewal of their gaming license.

Roque said he would seek all available legal remedies to secure his life and liberty, which he described as 'under threat', while Ong's lawyer declined to comment on her whereabouts or confirm the warrant.