Senator Risa Hontiveros announced on Thursday, August 22, that Cassandra Ong and Sheila Guo were apprehended by Indonesian authorities. Earlier in the day, Philippine officials confirmed that the two women were in custody.
Hontiveros shared photos of the arrests on social media, expressing gratitude to international contacts who helped verify the situation. “Thanks to our international contacts, my office has also independently verified the apprehension of Cassandra Li Ong, and Alice Guo’s sibling Sheila Guo,” she stated.
The senator commended Indonesian authorities for their decisive action, calling it “a promising development, and a testament to our collective efforts.” She highlighted the regional impact of human trafficking linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), stressing the need for a broader solution. “This goes to show how human trafficking facilitated by POGOs is a regional problem that needs a regional, even global, solution,” Hontiveros noted.
Hontiveros also emphasized the importance of closely monitoring Ong, who could provide key information about those behind the operations of Lucky South 99, a POGO in Porac, Pampanga. “Mahigpit na binantayan si Cassandra Li Ong dahil sya ang makakapagbigay-linaw at makakapagturo ng mga ng dapat managot sa mga totoong nasa likod ng POGO na Lucky South 99 sa Porac, Pampanga,” she said.
The senator raised concerns about how Ong and Guo managed to leave the Philippines, questioning the integrity of the immigration system. “At bakit butas-butas ang sistema natin sa immigration?” she asked, adding that she expects both women to attend the Senate hearing on Tuesday to be held accountable for evading previous proceedings. “Mananagot sila sa pag-iwas nila sa Senado,” Hontiveros concluded.