Authorities have arrested one of the 50 individuals charged alongside former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Cassandra Ong in connection with alleged human trafficking at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the suspect, identified only as “Marlon,” was apprehended on May 22 in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City. He was reportedly the operations officer of the security agency linked to Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, Inc., the POGO firm at the center of the trafficking investigation.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said Marlon’s arrest is part of ongoing operations to track down all 50 accused individuals. Arrest warrants were issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118.

Roque, who served as legal counsel for Lucky South 99, is currently in The Hague, Netherlands. Philippine authorities are exploring coordination with Interpol to locate and apprehend him. He left the country in September 2024 after being cited for contempt by the House of Representatives for refusing to attend hearings on POGO-related operations.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed the CIDG to form tracker teams to pursue the remaining fugitives, including Ong, believed to be a key incorporator of the alleged scam hub.

“This reflects our commitment to bring wanted individuals to justice and support the victims’ fight for accountability,” Torre said. (PNA)