The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Monday that it has filed non-bailable human trafficking charges against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and more than 40 others before a Pampanga court. The charges are linked to the operations of Lucky South 99 Corporation, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, that was raided by authorities.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty said the case includes several high-profile respondents, among them businesswoman Cassandra Ong, former Technology Resource Center chief Dennis Cunanan, and Chinese national Duanren Wu.
Roque, according to Ty, admitted on record to serving as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corporation, which leased the compound used by Lucky South 99. Despite claiming he was not directly involved with the POGO operator, Ty noted that Roque followed up on the company’s gambling license renewal application with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
“Even if he claimed he was just a lawyer for Whirlwind, he facilitated steps crucial to the operations of Lucky South 99,” Ty told reporters. “Clearly, he had a role in organizing the illegal POGO where human trafficking occurred.”
Ty added that the DOJ is awaiting the issuance of arrest warrants for Roque and the other accused. Once issued, law enforcement agencies will move to apprehend them.
“For those outside the country, they may be deemed fugitives. The government can cancel their passports or request their inclusion on Interpol’s red notice list,” Ty said.
He also confirmed that the DOJ would notify the Dutch government about Roque’s inclusion in the case, as the former spokesperson is reportedly seeking political asylum in the Netherlands.
The DOJ is also waiting for a court ruling on whether the case should be transferred to Pasig City.
In response, Roque denied the allegations, branding them as politically motivated. He claimed the charges are part of a campaign of persecution linked to his association with the Duterte administration.
“I will include this charge in my asylum application as a victim of political persecution. This is not flight, but the exercise of a human right,” Roque said in a statement.
