Co-accused ni Atty. Harry Roque sa kaugnay sa Lucky South 99 POGO hub, arestado

- Atty. Harry Roque’s co-accused in the case relating to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub has been arrested

- The CIDG has apprehended “Marlon,” the Operations Officer of the security agency implicated in the alleged human traff1cking at Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Pampanga

- Marlon's arrest is a result of “Oplan Pagtugis,” a nationwide operation targeting all 51 individuals for whom the Angeles City RTC issued arrest warrants on May 15 for qualified human traff1cking

- CIDG Director Major General Nicolas Torre III issued a strong warning to the remaining 50 co-accused to surrender, emphasizing that tracker teams are relentlessly pursuing them

Atty. Harry Roque’s co-accused in the qualified human traff1cking case has been arrested by CIDG operatives.

Law enforcement authorities recently announced the significant breakthrough in the qualified human traff1cking case linked to the illicit operations of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pampanga, which includes former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and businesswoman Cassandra Ong among its 51 co-accused.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confirmed the apprehension of one of the key figures in the sprawling case, identified only as “Marlon.”

Marlon, who served as the Operations Officer for the security agency implicated in the alleged traff1cking activities at Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. in Porac, Pampanga, was arrested on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City.

CIDG Director Major General Nicolas Torre III emphasized the agency’s relentless pursuit of all individuals named in the arrest warrants issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 on May 15.

The court found probable cause to proceed with trial for multiple violations of Republic Act 9208, also known as the Anti-Traff1cking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended.

The comprehensive charges against Marlon include not only one count of qualified traff1cking in persons but also an additional ten counts under a separate warrant, with no bail recommended for any of the offenses.

The arrest is a direct result of “Oplan Pagtugis,” a nationwide manhunt operation launched by the CIDG on May 15, targeting all 51 individuals implicated in the case.

The human traff1cking charges against Roque, Ong, and the 49 others stem from a CIDG-led raid on Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. in June 2024.

This operation reportedly led to the rescue of numerous individuals, including Chinese nationals who allegedly bore signs of torture.

Details from the raid indicated that some victims were found handcuffed to bed frames, covered in bruises. The Department of Justice filed the cases after investigating the allegations of human traff1cking within the POGO facility.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, currently reported to be seeking asylum in the Netherlands, has vehemently denied his involvement in the illicit activities.

He has asserted that he was merely legal counsel for Whirlwind, the company that leased its compound to Lucky South 99, and that he only accompanied Cassandra Ong to a meeting with PAGCOR officials, believing she was a victim of estafa (swindling).

Roque has described the arrest warrant against him as “political persecution” linked to his alliance with the Dutertes.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, has stated that the government is determined to bring Roque back to face the charges, indicating plans to seek the cancellation of his passport and an Interpol red notice.

The news of Marlon’s arrest has resonated across social media platforms, eliciting a range of public reactions.

Many expressed satisfaction with the progress of the case, emphasizing the need for justice for victims of human traff1cking.

Comments highlighted the public's impatience with those perceived to be involved in illegal activities, particularly those connected to the controversial POGO industry.

CIDG Chief Torre reiterated his stern warning to the remaining 50 co-accused: “I urge the other 50 co-accused to surrender yourselves to the CIDG and authorities because the Tracker Teams are pursuing you 24/7 and will catch you anytime soon.”

This case continues to underscore the government's intensified efforts to crack down on illegal POGO operations and human traff1ckingg syndicates in the country.

Harry Roque is a Filipino lawyer and politician. He was the presidential spokesperson during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Before entering politics, he used to be a professor in law school.

In related news, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed its desire to seek the help of the Interpol and have a “Red Notice” issued against Atty. Harry Roque. A “Red Notice” is a request issued by Interpol to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate a person wanted by a country. It can be recalled that a Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a warrant of arrest against Atty. Roque, Cassandra Ong, and several others for qualified human traff1cking charges. The former spokesperson is currently abroad and has stated his intention to apply for asylum, invoking the principle of non-refoulement.

Previously, Atty. Roque issued a statement statement after news about the warrant of his arrest was reported by several major dailies and TV networks. In his statement, the former presidential spokesperson claims he is a victim of political persecution. He asserted that the charges are politically motivated due to his loyalty to former President Duterte and seeks asylum in the Netherlands. It can be recalled the Angeles City RTC found probable cause to charge Roque and his co-accused with non-bailable violations of the Anti-Traff1cking in Persons Act of 2003, linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub.

Source: KAMI.com.gh