MANILA — A court has issued arrest warrants for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and 10 others in connection with an alleged human trafficking operation linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pampanga.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118 in Angeles City, Pampanga released the order on May 8, signed by Presiding Judge Rene Reyes. The court found “probable cause” to proceed with the trial for alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003—offenses considered non-bailable.

“After careful evaluation of the 11 separate informations, the resolution, and the supporting documents attached to each and every case record, this Court finds probable cause to hold all the aforenamed accused for trial for the offenses for which they are respectively charged,” said the order.

Accused Include Ex-Officials, POGO Executives

Alongside Roque, the court named Cassandra Ong, representative of Lucky South 99—the POGO operator based in Porac, Pampanga. Also included is Duanren Wu, alleged financier of the operation and reportedly known as its “godfather” and “big boss.” Wu has reportedly been in hiding since congressional inquiries into illegal offshore gaming operations began.

Authorities allege that Lucky South 99 operated a large scam hub where trafficked workers were forced to carry out fraudulent online activities.

Also among the accused are local employees, Filipino incorporators, and former government official Dennis Cunanan. Cunanan is separately facing charges related to another POGO site in Bamban, Tarlac, which is currently under investigation in a case involving former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.

Roque’s Role and Denials

The Department of Justice (DOJ) claims that Roque played a role beyond acting as legal counsel to Whirlwind Corporation, which leased property to Lucky South 99. Prosecutors allege he also facilitated license renewal efforts with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), casting doubt on the extent of his involvement in POGO operations.

Roque has admitted to representing Whirlwind in an unrelated legal matter and to assisting Ong with meetings, but he maintains these actions do not amount to human trafficking. He denies ever serving as legal counsel to Lucky South 99 itself.

Flight from the Philippines and Asylum Plea

Roque left the Philippines in September 2024 after being cited for contempt for failing to attend House hearings on the POGO issue. In December, he submitted a counter-affidavit from the United Arab Emirates and has since applied for asylum in the Netherlands, citing political persecution.

The former spokesperson said he would “seek all available legal remedies to secure my life and liberty which are currently under threat.”

“The issuance of a warrant of arrest forms part of the unjust prosecution, which I will include in my application for asylum in the Netherlands as a victim of political persecution owing to my loyalty to the Dutertes,” Roque said in a statement.

“I reiterate: This is not flight as evidence of guilt but the exercise of a human right to asylum,” Roque stressed.

DOJ Seeks Interpol Red Notice as Rights Groups React

The DOJ has announced plans to oppose Roque’s asylum bid and to coordinate with Interpol to issue a red notice.

“Once the warrant is out, we will initiate the process,” DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty confirmed.

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) welcomed the court’s move.

“From being a human rights lawyer to an alleged human rights violator, what a disgusting downgrade, Atty. Roque… Yung tapang mong kumuda habang nagtatago ka sa ibang bansa, gamitin mo para humarap sa korte at magpaliwanag sa mga alegasyon laban sa’yo,” said PAHRA Secretary-General Edgar Cabalitan.

Roque, once a vocal human rights advocate and supporter of the Philippines’ membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC), later became a staunch defender of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. His dramatic shift from rights lawyer to Duterte spokesperson has long drawn criticism from civil society groups.

As of writing, a total of 49 individuals face arrest in connection with the POGO operations in Pampanga.

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