POGO torture suspect falls

Authorities have arrested a Chinese national accused of torturing employees at an illegal offshore gaming hub, marking the third arrest in a high-profile human trafficking case that also names former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

The suspect, identified as a 44-year-old administrative officer of Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. known as “Boss Terry,” was apprehended Monday morning in Angeles City. Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the suspect allegedly oversaw the torture of Chinese employees at the firm’s hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The arrest was carried out by a task force including the CIDG, the Bureau of Immigration, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. The suspect had been a resident of Barangay Pulong Maba in Porac.

“Boss Terry” is among 51 individuals indicted for qualified human trafficking following a June 2024 raid on the Grand Palazzo Royale POGO complex. The court in Angeles City issued the warrant on 8 May 2025, with no recommendation for bail.

The case has drawn national attention due to the inclusion of Roque and incorporator Cassandra “Cassy” Ong, both of whom remain at large. Authorities believe Roque has fled to the Netherlands to seek asylum, while Ong was last tracked to Japan. Interpol Red Notices have been issued for their capture.

Previous arrests in the case include “Marlon,” an operations officer for the firm’s security agency, and “Mariano,” a security guard. Both were apprehended in May.

The government has intensified its crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operators (POGOs) following the November 2025 conviction of former Mayor Alice Guo, who received a life sentence for qualified human trafficking in a related case.

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