The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that it may seek a hold departure order (HDO) against Cassandra Ong and utilize Interpol channels to ensure the arrest of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, following the issuance of arrest warrants for them and several others by a Pampanga court over non-bailable human trafficking charges.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed the possibility of an HDO to prevent the accused from fleeing the country, stating, “Yes, the prosecution may apply for a hold departure order given that a warrant is already issued for their arrest. This is to ensure that the accused do not leave the country and face the charges of Qualified Human Trafficking.”
Clavano further explained that since Roque is currently abroad, the government may resort to diplomatic means, including Interpol, to facilitate his arrest. He emphasized that the legal action is a matter of prosecution for a crime committed in the Philippines, and Roque is one among several accused in the case. “We should look at this as a venue wherein he can clear his name if indeed he does believe in his innocence,” Clavano added.
The arrest warrants were issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on May 8, citing violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022. The charges stem from the operations of Lucky South 99 Corp., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, where workers, including Chinese nationals, alleged they were kidnapped, detained, and forced to work in fraudulent online schemes.
The DOJ’s charges against Roque include allegations of his involvement not only as legal counsel for Whirlwind, the company that leased the compound to Lucky South 99, but also in organizing the POGO firm’s operations.
Roque has consistently maintained his innocence, vowing to pursue all legal remedies available to clear his name.
