Key points:
- Arrest warrant links Roque to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO)
- DOJ filed qualified human trafficking charges tied to Pampanga-based Lucky South 99
- Palace urges him to return from the Netherlands to face allegations
Malacañang has called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and face allegations linking him to illegal online gambling activity, as reported by The Inquirer. The Palace’s remarks follow the issuance of an arrest warrant against Roque in connection with an unauthorised Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque is accused of having a direct role in the operations of Lucky South 99, a site allegedly functioning as a scam hub under the guise of a POGO. The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that Roque’s involvement extended beyond legal representation. He is identified as a representative of Whirlwind Corporation, the company that leased the land to Lucky South 99.
Good to know: The Philippines has been under increasing pressure to crack down on illegal POGO sites, many of which have been linked to human trafficking, fraud and transnational crime.
Roque, currently in The Hague according to his own social media post, accused the Government of political persecution and questioned the legitimacy of the search operations to locate him. In response, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said his return would save public resources and demonstrate genuine concern for taxpayer money.
Castro dismissed claims of political targeting, stating that even Roque’s former allies are not convinced by his defence. The warrant, issued by Judge Rene Reyes of Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118, stems from a DOJ complaint filed in April, citing violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Castro emphasised that the charges relate to prosecution, not persecution, and urged Roque to come home and answer to the accusations directly.
