Malaca±ang: The public has been urged by Malaca±ang to promptly report any information regarding the whereabouts of Cassandra Li Ong. Ong remains in the country as the government intensifies efforts to locate her.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed that Ong is still in the Philippines. Ong is currently considered a fugitive following the issuance of a warrant of arrest. 'Ang sabi po ay sa kasalukuyan, base sa kanilang records, nasa Pilipinas pa po si Ms. Cassandra Ong. At patuloy pa rin ang paghahanap sa kanya dahil siya po ay tinatawag na fugitive dahil may warrant of arrest na po,' said Castro in a press briefing.
Castro appealed to the public to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting any sightings of Ong, to facilitate the enforcement of the warrant. 'Kung sino man sa mga kababayan natin ang makakakita kay Cassandra Ong, ipagbigay-alam din po agad sa ating law enforcement agencies para magampanan din ang pagseserbisyo ng warrant of arrest sa kanya,' she urged.
When questioned about the possibility of the Palace requesting the public to take photos of fugitives like Ong, Castro stated that any form of assistance would be beneficial. 'Sa lahat ng mga pagkakataon, sa lahat ng maaaring gawing paraan, maliit o malaki na tulong, makakatulong po 'yan sa gobyerno para maharap ang mga fugitive,' Castro noted.
In relation to the case, the Department of Justice has announced a PHP1 million reward for information leading to Ong's arrest. Ong is a significant figure in the pending human trafficking case involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Central Luzon.
