Arrest Order Out: Hontiveros Urges Roque’s Return Over Pogo Ties
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Senator urges accountability in illegal offshore gaming and human trafficking case
MAY 17,2025
MANILA, Philippines – Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines. This came after a local court issued an arrest warrant against him due to his alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) activities.
“If he refuses to return, he won’t just be evading Congress. He’ll be disobeying a lawful court order,” Hontiveros said. “He’s a lawyer. He knows avoiding the law is wrong.”
On May 8, the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 released the arrest order. Authorities made it public on Thursday. Roque reportedly went into hiding after the House quad committee investigating Lucky South 99 issued a separate arrest order. He is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
Arrest Order Out: Massive Pogo Hub Linked to Crimes
Authorities linked Roque to Lucky South 99, a large Pogo hub in Porac, Pampanga. Investigations revealed the compound was involved in serious crimes such as human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and money laundering.
“That compound is one of the country’s worst scam centers,” Hontiveros said. “Those accused must face trial. If we let them escape, they’ll just return under a different name and continue harming our citizens.”
Arrest Order Out: Other Suspects Identified
The court also named Cassandra Li Ong, a Chinese-Filipino businesswoman, in the arrest order. Ong is the majority owner of Whirlwind Corporation, which leased land to Lucky South 99.
Also listed in the order is Duanren Wu, Ong’s godfather and top executive at Whirlwind. Wu is linked to Chinese national Li Duan Wang, a junket operator tied to Nine Dynasty Casino. That casino appeared in Hontiveros’ earlier Senate investigation on offshore gaming.
“These people are part of a dangerous web of criminal connections,” Hontiveros warned. “We must hold them accountable.”
Gatchalian: Pogos Must Be Dismantled
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian supported the arrest order. He said it confirms their long-standing concern that Pogos are hotbeds for serious crime. NOWTREND
“This proves Pogos are involved in the worst offenses, especially human trafficking,” Gatchalian said. “Law enforcement must act now and take these syndicates down.”
He urged police to move swiftly and arrest all suspects, regardless of influence or connections.
“We’ll keep watching these cases. Justice must be served,” he added.
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