Who is Harry Roque? Arrest Warrants Issued Against Harry Roque and 49 other

MANILA – Arrest warrants have been released against former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others. The case involves qualified human trafficking linked to the controversial Lucky South 99 hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The warrants were issued on Thursday, May 15, 2025, by the Angeles Regional Trial Court Branch 118. The court said the 50 individuals are facing 11 separate charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (RA 9208).

The Lucky South 99 facility is a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) site that was raided in 2024. It made headlines across the country due to serious allegations involving kidnapping, torture, and s*x trafficking.

Authorities rescued 158 foreign workers from the compound. According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), they discovered strong evidence of abuse and criminal activity inside the POGO hub. Despite this, Lucky South 99 has denied all allegations.

Harry Roque was named in court documents as the legal head of Lucky South 99, as shown in a license reapplication submitted to PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation). PAGCOR later rejected the application.

Meanwhile, Cassandra Ong was identified as the authorized representative of the company. Roque has denied any wrongdoing. He said he only joined Ong in a meeting because he believed she was a fraud victim (estafa case). Roque also confirmed that he is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands.

The criminal complaints were filed in April 2025, and investigations are ongoing.