The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to request a hold departure order (HDO) against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong, and 47 others in connection with human trafficking charges linked to a raided Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) facility in Bamban, Tarlac.
Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the HDO request may follow the issuance of arrest warrants by the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 118, which found probable cause for forced labor and trafficking charges stemming from operations at the Lucky South 99 compound.
Roque, who served as legal counsel for the company, is accused of facilitating the renewal of its gaming license despite knowledge of alleged illegal activities. He is currently in the Netherlands and has denied the accusations, claiming political persecution. The DOJ said it may seek Interpol assistance for his return.
Ong, an incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., was previously detained but was released in December 2024. Her current whereabouts are unknown, according to her lawyer.
Authorities allege the company detained workers, including foreigners, to repay debts and also kidnapped individuals with unpaid gambling dues. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said tracker teams have been deployed to locate the accused.