CIDG arrests Chinese national in human trafficking case linked to Roque, Ong

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has confirmed the arrest of a Chinese national who is a co-accused in a qualified human trafficking case involving former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and businesswoman Cassandra Ong.

The suspect, identified only as “Boss Terry,” is facing human trafficking charges linked to the ongoing investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Central Luzon.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said on December 30, 2025, that the 44-year-old suspect served as one of the administrative officers of the POGO hub Lucky South 99.

He is accused of overseeing the torture of Chinese POGO employees.

Boss Terry was arrested before noon on December 29, 2025, during a manhunt operation in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The CIDG said he is the third individual arrested among the 51 accused in the qualified trafficking in persons case.

Authorities carried out the operation at around 11:30 a.m. by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by an Angeles City court on May 8. No bail was recommended.

Lucky South 99 was an illegal POGO hub based in Porac, Pampanga, which became the focus of a massive national investigation in late 2024 and 2025 over allegations of human trafficking, torture, and large-scale scam operations.

Meanwhile, Roque and Ong remain at large as of late 2025. Roque is reported to have fled to the Netherlands to seek asylum, while Ong was last tracked to Japan. Interpol Red Notices have been issued for their arrest.

In November 2025, a related figure, former mayor Alice Guo, was convicted of qualified human trafficking and sentenced to life imprisonment, signaling the government’s intensified crackdown on criminal networks linked to illegal POGO operations.