The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police has recently taken action again against human trafficking related to the offshore gaming company "Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc.," arresting a suspect and emphasizing that all involved will be held legally responsible.
On the evening of May 29 at 6 PM, police launched an operation at the Public Safety Office in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, arresting Mariano, who had worked as a security officer at "Lucky 99." CIDG noted that Mariano is one of the 50 defendants identified in this case, currently facing multiple charges under the amended Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208 revised by RA 10364), some of which are non-bailable.
The case involves high-level and extensive participation, including the head of the gaming company, Cassandra Ong, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is currently listed as a fugitive. The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Philippines has confirmed cooperation with Interpol to place Roque on the "Red Notice" list and initiate passport cancellation procedures to compel his return to the country for judicial investigation.
Previously on May 22, another suspect, Marlon, was arrested in Brgy. Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, through an entrapment operation. The police urge other involved parties to surrender as soon as possible to seek leniency and state that they will continue to investigate the criminal network behind the scenes.
According to police investigations, Lucky South 99 was found in a previous raid to be involved in illegal detention, forced labor, and transnational human trafficking, with victims mostly from other Southeast Asian countries. This case has once again sparked widespread public concern about the potential illegal activities hidden within the Philippine offshore gaming industry.
The police emphasize that combating human trafficking and labor exploitation will remain a priority, and all those evading justice will be relentlessly pursued.
