The Philippine Department of Justice recently confirmed that the Angeles City Regional Trial Court in Pampanga Province has issued arrest warrants for several defendants, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Chinese businesswoman Cassandra Ong, on charges of "aggravated human trafficking" with no bail allowed.
Additionally, 47 other suspects have been included in the arrest list, many of whom are key figures associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Arrest warrants issued, DOJ confirms involvement of high-ranking officials
Nicholas Ty, the Deputy Minister of Justice and head of the Inter-Agency Task Force Against Trafficking, confirmed that the arrest warrants were issued by Branch 118 of the Angeles City Regional Trial Court on May 8, 2025. The court stated that after reviewing 11 indictments, resolutions, and related evidence, there was sufficient reason to proceed with the trial of the defendants.
This case has become one of the largest legal actions against POGO operators in recent years in the Philippines.
The case originated from a POGO raid, with key suspect Mr. Wu still missing
The case stemmed from last year's raid on a POGO operation site, Lucky South 99, in Porac, Pampanga. The prosecution accused the site of large-scale online fraud, forced labor, and illegal detention, constituting serious human trafficking offenses.
The operation site was leased by the real estate company Whirlwind, owned by Chinese POGO operator Mr. Wu, with Cassandra Ong referred to as his "goddaughter" and involved in management.
Harry Roque was also listed as a defendant for previously serving as a lawyer for Whirlwind in related deportation cases and assisting in arranging meetings with senior officials of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to renew licenses. Despite denying involvement in human trafficking and insisting on providing legal services lawfully, the court still found his actions related to the case.
Mr. Wu, a key suspect in the case, has been missing since the congressional hearing and is still at large.
The case has widespread implications, including former government officials
In addition to the main defendants, the court also issued arrest warrants for 46 individuals, involving company directors, employees, consultants, and associated personnel. Among them is former government technology officer Dennis Cunanan.
Cunanan is also charged in another POGO human trafficking case in Banban, Tarlac, which also involves Chinese businesswoman Guo Huaping, currently on trial, showing a high degree of crossover and connectivity between multiple POGO projects.
Roque seeks asylum in the Netherlands, extradition still undecided
Currently, Harry Roque is in The Hague, Netherlands, claiming to be seeking political asylum. Since there is no extradition treaty between the Philippines and the Netherlands, the judicial cooperation process remains uncertain. The Philippine authorities have not formally requested extradition, but the Department of Justice stated that it will continue to push the case forward.
