Human trafficking reports filed against Harry Roque and two others

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities have filed a qualified human trafficking complaint against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and two others for their alleged involvement with the Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) involved in illegal activities.

In a supplementary affidavit filed with the Department of Justice, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) and the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) added Roque, Ley Tan and Mercedes Peralta Macabasa in their affidavit . complaints against Cassandra Li Ong.

READ: Cassandra Ong and 51 others charged with qualified human trafficking

When asked why Roque was included in the affidavit, Deputy Public Prosecutor Darwin Cañete said it was due to his alleged “active participation” in the operations of Pogo firm Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.

“Based on the allegations in the supplemental complaint statement, this has something to do with the active participation of Atty. Roque in furtherance of the illegal activities of Lucy South 99,” Cañete said in a casual interview.

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In the complaint, testimony from Jessa Fernandez, assistant vice president of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, confirmed that Roque and Ong met her on July 26, 2022.

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Roque is also said to have had “several follow-up discussions” with Fernandez regarding the status of Lucky South 99’s gambling license renewal.

“So together, based on Paocc’s investigation, agents and people who have anything to do with the company should be forced to answer and explain their respective activities regarding Lucky South’s human trafficking activities,” Cañete said, citing Republic Act 9208.

Roque said the case against him “is nothing but a trumped-up charge.”

“It took PAOCC four months after the raid in Porac, Pampanga, to get witnesses to agree to fabricate lies to implicate me,” Roque said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Tan was included in the complaint for allegedly “collaborating in Lucky South’s human trafficking and other illegal activities by becoming head of the accounting department,” Cañete said.

This is based on the organizational chart submitted to Pagcor by Lucky South 99.

“In her capacity within the organization, she has enabled the company to do what it has done in the area of ​​human trafficking,” Cañete said.

“You make these types of companies seem legitimate. You are protecting the company’s facade as a legitimate organization doing ordinary things, when in fact they were committing human trafficking, so its participation in maintaining appearances is essential,” he added.

Macabasa, on the other hand, was the Security Compliance Officer of Lucky South 99.