Roque co-accused nabbed in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines — A co-accused in the case of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and Cassandra Li Ong was arrested in Pampanga for his involvement in a human trafficking case, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group announced.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said alias Marlon was arrested on May 22 in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat during the service of a warrant issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 for qualified trafficking in persons under Republic Act 9208.

Marlon, who allegedly served as operations officer of a security agency, is among the 51 people accused in the case.

He also has a separate arrest warrant for 10 additional counts of qualified trafficking with no bail recommended.

The charges stem from a CIDG-led operation that implemented search warrants on June 7, 2024 at Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, an alleged Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO hub located in Porac, Pampanga.

CIDG launched Oplan “Pagtugis,” a nationwide campaign against fugitives, on May 15 following orders from PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil to boost crime prevention and arrest operations.

Torre commended the arresting units and a civilian informant for what he called a “remarkable accomplishment.”