Authorities have apprehended another individual linked to the human trafficking case involving former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Cassandra Ong. The suspect, identified only as “Mariano,” was captured on May 29 in Clark, Pampanga by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s Anti-Organized Crime Unit (CIDG AOCU).
Mariano is among 49 individuals charged in the case and was reportedly on duty as a security guard during the alleged trafficking operations at Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) based in Porac, Pampanga.
Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, CIDG Director, urged the remaining co-accused to surrender. “We are locating each of you. Our tracker teams are working round the clock,” he warned.
The crackdown stems from search warrants served on June 7, 2024, targeting Lucky South 99 for alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Arrest warrants were issued on May 15 by Angeles City’s Regional Trial Court Branch 118.
Earlier on May 22, another accused, “Marlon,” said to be the operations officer of the implicated security agency, was arrested in Mabalacat City.
Harry Roque has denied all allegations, asserting he had no legal ties to any illegal POGO operations and is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands.