The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested one of the co-accused of former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque and Cassandra Ong in a qualified trafficking in persons case during an operation in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
According to the CIDG, the suspect, identified only as “Marlon,” was apprehended in an entrapment operation on May 22 in Barangay Tabun.
Authorities said Marlon served as the operations officer of the security agency involved in the alleged trafficking activities at Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub located in Porac.
Aside from the recent arrest, Marlon is also facing a standing warrant for 10 counts of qualified trafficking in persons issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City, with no bail recommended.
CIDG Chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III said the arrest is part of their relentless efforts to bring wanted individuals involved in serious crimes to justice.
He also urged the remaining 50 co-accused to surrender, noting that Tracker Teams are continuously working to locate and apprehend them.
Roque, along with other suspects, has an outstanding arrest warrant tied to alleged illegal operations at Lucky South 99, also issued by the same Angeles City court.
Roque has strongly denied the accusations, claiming he was never legal counsel to any illegal POGO, including Lucky South 99, and said he only accompanied Ong to a meeting thinking she was a victim of fraud.
Currently, Roque is seeking asylum in the Netherlands.