Manila Times
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Tuesday, May 27, 2025
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Arrest Made in Qualified Human Trafficking Case Involving Former Duterte Spokesperson
Police apprehend a co-accused in a high-profile case that includes allegations against Harry Roque and others.
Manila, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has confirmed the arrest of Marlon, one of the 49 co-accused in a qualified human trafficking case involving former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Katherine Cassandra Ong.
The arrest occurred on May 22 in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, as part of a nationwide manhunt operation named 'Oplan Pagtugis,' which commenced on May 15, 2025.
Marlon, who served as the operation officer for Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a now-defunct Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Porac, Pampanga, faces serious charges under the Republic Act 9208 concerning qualified trafficking in persons.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City issued warrants for the arrest of Marlon and others involved in the case, which includes 51 individuals in total.
These warrants were issued on May 16, with no bail allowed for the accused.
The CIDG stated that the charges stem from a complaint initiated by the anti-organized crime unit, following enforcement actions that revealed human trafficking activities at the unlicensed POGO hub, which has since been shut down.
Reports indicate that Lucky South 99's facility was raided last year in response to allegations of illegal operations and worker abuse.
In addition to Marlon's apprehension, arrest warrants were also issued for Harry Roque due to his alleged involvement with the corporations in question.
Prosecutors have claimed that Roque, while serving as their legal counsel, was aware of or turned a blind eye to the alleged illegal nature of their operations.
He is further accused of having actively participated in securing the renewal of the POGO's gaming license.
Katherine Cassandra Ong, a representative of Lucky South 99, reportedly attempted to flee the country amid growing scrutiny regarding the operations of the POGO facility.
Legislative inquiries have raised questions about the legitimacy of her birth certificate, highlighting the complexity and controversy surrounding the case.
As the investigation continues, the PNP CIDG aims to locate the remaining suspects involved in this high-profile trafficking case.
The arrest occurred on May 22 in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, as part of a nationwide manhunt operation named 'Oplan Pagtugis,' which commenced on May 15, 2025.
Marlon, who served as the operation officer for Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a now-defunct Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Porac, Pampanga, faces serious charges under the Republic Act 9208 concerning qualified trafficking in persons.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City issued warrants for the arrest of Marlon and others involved in the case, which includes 51 individuals in total.
These warrants were issued on May 16, with no bail allowed for the accused.
The CIDG stated that the charges stem from a complaint initiated by the anti-organized crime unit, following enforcement actions that revealed human trafficking activities at the unlicensed POGO hub, which has since been shut down.
Reports indicate that Lucky South 99's facility was raided last year in response to allegations of illegal operations and worker abuse.
In addition to Marlon's apprehension, arrest warrants were also issued for Harry Roque due to his alleged involvement with the corporations in question.
Prosecutors have claimed that Roque, while serving as their legal counsel, was aware of or turned a blind eye to the alleged illegal nature of their operations.
He is further accused of having actively participated in securing the renewal of the POGO's gaming license.
Katherine Cassandra Ong, a representative of Lucky South 99, reportedly attempted to flee the country amid growing scrutiny regarding the operations of the POGO facility.
Legislative inquiries have raised questions about the legitimacy of her birth certificate, highlighting the complexity and controversy surrounding the case.
As the investigation continues, the PNP CIDG aims to locate the remaining suspects involved in this high-profile trafficking case.
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