The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday filed a qualified human trafficking case against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for his alleged involvement in the operation of an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty confirmed that Roque, along with more than 30 others, has been charged. Among the other accused are Cassandra Ong, Whirlwind Corporation executive Wu Duanren, and former government official Dennis Cunanan. This development comes after authorities initially filed charges against Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of Lucky South 99, and several others.
Roque was specifically included in a supplemental complaint submitted in October 2024. The complaint, filed jointly by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), detailed Roque’s alleged active participation in the controversial gaming hub’s operations.
According to narratives provided by resource persons, Roque was not merely a passive figure but actively represented Lucky South 99 alongside Ong during a meeting with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for the renewal of the company’s license. This contradicts Roque’s earlier denials of any involvement.
Furthermore, witness testimonies, including those from both local and foreign POGO workers, painted a disturbing picture of operations inside the Porac facility. Accounts described widespread human trafficking, kidnapping, illegal detention, and cybercrime activities allegedly taking place under the guise of legitimate gaming operations.
Authorities emphasized that the abuses reported by workers strengthened the case against Roque and his co-accused, suggesting a coordinated effort to exploit individuals for illegal profit.
Amid these developments, Roque is reportedly seeking asylum in the Netherlands. His asylum application has raised further concerns, with officials questioning whether it is an attempt to evade prosecution in the Philippines.
The DOJ stated that it remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims, asserting that those involved, regardless of their former positions in government, must be held accountable. Investigations into related illegal POGO activities continue, with officials hinting at the possibility of more individuals being charged in the coming months.
This case marks one of the most high-profile human trafficking charges linked to the POGO industry, putting a spotlight on broader efforts to crack down on illegal offshore gaming operations in the country.