PAOCC and PNP include Harry Roque in qualified human trafficking complaint

Authorities on Monday filed a supplementary affidavit against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and two others over the alleged human trafficking at the Lucky South 99 POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga.

Roque has been added as a respondent in the complaint filed against Cassandra Li OngLucky South 99 authorized defendant, and several others in September for violation of Republic Act 9208, as amended by RA 10364, as further amended by RA 11862.

According to Prosecutor Darwin Cañete of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Roque was included for his alleged “active participation in furthering the company’s illegal activities.”

“There is a statement or testimony from… the assistant vice president of PAGCOR that respondent Roque and Cassandra Ong went to their office on July 26, 2023 to meet with PAGCOR,” Cañete said in an ambush interview.

“I have taken a judicial statement from Atty. Fernandez who Atty. Roque has had several discussions with her regarding the status of the application for the renewal of Lucky South’s online gambling license,” he added.

Asked about Roque’s earlier defense that he only accompanied Ong, Cañete expressed hope that the former spokesperson would present his evidence, saying this was Roque’s chance to clear his name.

“But for now, we cannot ignore the documentation, testimonies and other evidence submitted for examination during this final investigation. So ifa-file namin (And this is the conclusion of the investigation. So we will submit it.),” he said.

In September, the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) held Roque in contempt and ordered him detained after he refused to submit documents supposedly justifying his increased wealth.

He has not attended the QuadComm hearings since.

Asked about Roque’s absence from the public eye, Cañete said it is up to Roque whether he wants to face the allegations against him.

“But the process must continue. The process must take place,” he said.

GMA News Online reached out to Roque for comment but had not received a response at time of posting. —RF, GMA integrated news