ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Arrest warrants have been issued for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others in connection with qualified human trafficking charges linked to the controversial POGO hub Lucky South 99.
The warrants, issued Thursday by Branch 118 of the Angeles City Regional Trial Court, involve 11 counts of violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208).
Lucky South 99, located in Porac, Pampanga, came under scrutiny in 2024 when authorities raided the facility and uncovered alleged activities involving torture, kidnapping, and sex trafficking. At least 158 foreign nationals were rescued from the site, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
Authorities claim Roque helped facilitate the processing of the POGO’s operating license and headed its legal department, while Ong was identified as the company’s authorized representative. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) eventually denied the facility’s license reapplication.
Roque, who has denied any involvement, claimed he only attended a meeting with Ong believing she was a scam victim. He has since sought asylum in the Netherlands.
Both Roque and Ong were formally charged in April 2025. Lucky South 99 has denied all allegations.