CIDG arrests co-accused of Harry Roque, Cassy Ong in human trafficking case

Authorities have arrested another suspect in the qualified human trafficking case linked to the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced Tuesday.

The suspect, identified as “Boss Terry,” is the third of 51 accused individuals, including former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque and Cassandra “Cassy” Ong are to be apprehended in connection with the case.

CIDG Acting Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander A.A. Morico II said the arrest was carried out on 29 December at around 11:30 a.m. in Angeles City, Pampanga, following a coordinated manhunt operation by the CIDG Regional Field Unit–National Capital Region, CIDG Quezon City District Field Unit, CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, Bureau of Immigration, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region 3, Police Regional Office 3, and other partner agencies.

“Boss Terry,” a 44-year-old Chinese national and resident of Barangay Pulong Maba, Porac, Pampanga, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on 8 May 2025 by a court in Angeles City. 

The warrant cites violations of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, particularly Section 4(i) in relation to Section 6(c) on qualified trafficking in persons, with no recommended bail.

According to the CIDG, the suspect is one of the administrative officers of Lucky South 99 and was allegedly responsible for torturing erring Chinese POGO employees.

The warrant of arrest against “Boss Terry,” Roque, Ong, and 49 others stemmed from a complaint filed by the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit following the implementation of search warrants at Lucky South 99’s POGO hub located at the Grand Palazzo Royale along Fil-Am Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut, Porac, Pampanga, on 7 June 2024.

On 15 May 2025, the CIDG launched a nationwide manhunt to locate and arrest all individuals named in the case docketed before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 118, in Angeles City.

Earlier arrests included “Marlon,” the operations officer of the security agency assigned to Lucky South 99, who was captured on May 22, 2025, in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and “Mariano,” a security guard on duty during the alleged trafficking incidents, who was arrested on May 29, 202,5 in Clark, Pampanga.

Morico commended the CIDG units involved in the latest arrest, noting that it underscores the agency’s continued commitment to tracking down all wanted persons and ensuring justice for trafficking victims.

“The CIDG remains steadfast in enforcing the law and unrelenting in its pursuit of fugitives, whether local or foreign nationals,” he said.