Philippines POGO scandal deepens with arrest of Roque’s co-accused
The legal crisis surrounding former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has escalated, as Philippine authorities consider seeking Interpol’s assistance to track him down over alleged human trafficking linked to an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility.
A key suspect, identified only as “Marlon”, was arrested on 22 May 2025 in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). He reportedly served as the operations officer of a security agency linked to Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., the company behind the POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
The arrest stems from a June 2024 police raid on the Lucky South 99 compound, which uncovered signs of forced labour and abuse. At least 186 individuals, comprising Filipino and foreign workers, mostly Chinese nationals, were rescued from the site. Disturbingly, two victims were found handcuffed to bed frames, bearing heavy bruises and suspected torture marks.
Following the raid, a Pampanga court issued arrest warrants for Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong, and 50 others. Ong is believed to be the authorised representative of Lucky South 99. At the same time, Roque, a prominent lawyer and former government official, is alleged to have provided legal services to Lucky South 99 and its affiliate, Whirlwind Corporation.
Scrutiny deepens around Roque
The Harry Roque case has now gained international attention. With Roque currently outside the country, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is exploring diplomatic channels, including the possibility of engaging Interpol. His passport has been revoked. “Since he is abroad, we may go through diplomatic processes,” said DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV.
Prosecutors allege that Harry Roque played a direct role in sustaining the illegal POGO operation by using his political connections to aid in the renewal of its gaming licence, despite knowledge of ongoing trafficking practices. The charges he faces—qualified human trafficking—are non-bailable and carry severe penalties under Philippine law.
Trafficked to pay the debts
Investigators revealed that many of the victims were trafficked to settle gambling debts, with their passports and communication devices confiscated. Workers were confined within the facility and forced to act as online customer service agents for illegal gambling operations.
CIDG Director Major General Nicolas Torre III warned that tracker teams are actively pursuing the remaining suspects. “The CIDG is dauntless. We mean business,” he said. As the case widens and international mechanisms are considered, Harry Roque now stands at the centre of one of the Philippines’ most serious and high-profile human trafficking investigations to date.
