Harry Roque, others charged with human trafficking over Pampanga POGO operations

Harry Roque, others charged with human trafficking over Pampanga POGO operations | Daily Tribune

Manila, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is facing qualified human trafficking charges alongside over 30 other individuals for their alleged roles in the illegal operations of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Porac, Pampanga.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Monday that it filed a non-bailable case against Roque and other respondents before the Angeles City Regional Trial Court. According to DOJ prosecutors, the group is accused of conspiring to operate Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corporation, enterprises allegedly used to exploit workers through trafficking and forced labor.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said the accused "actively contributed" to the establishment of the facility, which was shut down after a raid in June 2024 uncovered grave allegations, including kidnapping, illegal detention, and cybercrime fraud.

Roque, who has since sought asylum in the Netherlands, was included in a supplemental complaint filed last October. Authorities cited his role as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corporation and alleged his personal involvement in lobbying for the renewal of Lucky South 99’s gaming license before regulators.

“This case has nothing to do with politics. It’s about holding accountable those who enabled human trafficking,” Ty said, adding that the government is exploring options to cancel passports and issue Interpol Red Notices for those who have fled abroad.

Prosecutors detailed chilling testimonies from rescued workers, many of them Chinese and Filipino nationals, who claimed they were coerced into working as customer service agents under harsh conditions to repay recruitment debts. Workers reported confiscated passports, physical harm, and confinement within the facility's heavily secured compound.

In response, Roque rejected the accusations as "manufactured" and labeled his prosecution a "travesty of justice." He maintained that he neither recruited nor exploited workers and reiterated his claim of political persecution, citing his ties to the Duterte administration.

Meanwhile, other key figures charged include former deputy government official Dennis Cunanan, Whirlwind executive Wu Duanren, and Lucky South 99’s representative Cassandra Ong — who was previously detained during investigations into illegal POGO activities.

The crackdown comes after the Philippine government officially banned POGOs in 2024, citing widespread abuses. Authorities emphasized that the case against Roque and the others underscores a broader commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates linked to online gaming operations.