Manila: The Department of Justice is offering a PHP1 million reward for information on the whereabouts of Cassandra Li Ong, one of the key figures in the pending human trafficking case involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Central Luzon. In a press briefing, acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced the reward for "credible actionable information" that will lead to the "lawful discovery, location, and subsequent arrest" of Ong.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vida highlighted the challenges the authorities face in tracking Ong, noting her previous ability to move in and out of the Philippines undetected. Despite the alleged confiscation of her passport, there are concerns that Ong may have left the country through unofficial exits. "With the current information that we have, we don't have enough. That's why we're offering the reward. And it's an effective tool," Vida emphasized.

Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty confirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a final and executory cancellation order on the passports of Ong, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, and two others. Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan clarified that Roque's passport cancellation is unrelated to his pending asylum application in the Netherlands.