Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has canceled the passports of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong, and three other individuals accused in a qualified human trafficking case linked to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Pampanga.
According to Philippines News Agency, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona announced that they received the omnibus resolution from the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 157 and proceeded with the cancellation of the travel documents belonging to Roque, Ong, Ronelyn Baterna, Mercides Macabasa, and Dennis Lacson Cunanan. Law enforcement and border control authorities have been informed about the canceled passports.
Prior to the announcement, Roque shared a photo on social media showing his plane ticket from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Vienna, Austria, stating, "There is no truth to the rumors that I have been arrested. I have a scheduled flight to Vienna, Austria today, November 25. Details to follow."
Meanwhile, Ong, identified as the authorized representative of Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., was last located in Japan. Roque is alleged to have been the legal representative of the POGO hub.
Back in May, a Pampanga RTC issued arrest warrants against 50 individuals, including Roque and Ong, due to alleged human trafficking related to the operations of Lucky South 99. The case has since been transferred to the Pasig RTC.
