A regional trial court (RTC) in Pampanga has issued arrest warrants against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, businesswoman Cassandra Ong, and several others for alleged human trafficking in connection with Lucky South 99 Corp., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub raided in Porac.
Angeles RTC Presiding Judge Rene Reyes, in an order dated May 8, stated that all charges are non-bailable. The court found probable cause to indict the accused under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, which penalizes acts such as recruitment, harboring, and coercion for forced labor or slavery.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed both qualified and regular human trafficking charges against Roque, who allegedly played a role not only as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corp.—the firm that leased the Porac compound—but also in organizing Lucky South 99.
During the raid, several foreign workers, including Chinese nationals, claimed they were kidnapped, held captive, and forced to work.
Roque, who left the Philippines in September after being cited in contempt by the House for skipping POGO hearings, is currently seeking political asylum in the Netherlands. He claims he is a victim of political persecution due to his ties to the Duterte administration.
