A Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Angeles City has issued an arrest warrant against former human rights lawyer Harry Roque and businesswoman Cassandra Ong, along with 48 other individuals, over alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
The warrant, issued by RTC Branch 118, is linked to allegations of forced labor and human trafficking at Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) facility raided on June 5, 2024. Authorities accuse the respondents of maintaining, harboring, transporting, or exploiting vulnerable individuals as customer service representatives in an online gambling casino managed by Whirlwind Corp. and Lucky South 99.
According to prosecutors, some victims who were unable to repay their online gambling debts were allegedly forced to work in POGO facilities to clear their balances. The list of individuals facing charges includes incorporators, directors, stockholders, officers, authorized representatives, and employees of Lucky South 99.
Roque, who served as legal counsel for the involved companies, is accused of either being aware of or deliberately ignoring the illegal nature of their operations. Prosecutors further claim that he played a role in securing the renewal of the gaming license for these establishments.
Currently in the Netherlands, Roque has described the case as part of “political persecution,” vowing to use all legal remedies to protect his life and liberty.
Meanwhile, Ong’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said he could not confirm her current location, adding that they are still reviewing the details of the warrant.
In December 2024, Ong was released from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong after the House of Representatives concluded its probe into illegal POGO activities, which eventually led to a government ban on POGO operations in the country.
