The Philippine government has called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the country and address serious allegations connecting him to illegal online gambling operations and human trafficking activities. This comes after an arrest warrant was issued in relation to Roque’s alleged involvement with Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) based in Porac, Pampanga.
DOJ Files Human Trafficking Charges
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed qualified human trafficking charges against several individuals allegedly tied to Lucky South 99, including Roque. According to the DOJ, the site was posing as a legitimate POGO but was instead acting as a front for fraudulent and potentially exploitative operations. The charges stem from an April complaint and are now supported by a warrant issued by Judge Rene Reyes of the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118.
Roque is said to have played a role that exceeded legal consultancy, including acting as a representative of Whirlwind Corporation—the company that leased the land to Lucky South 99. This link forms the crux of the government’s assertion that he held direct involvement in the controversial business.
Roque Denies Allegations from The Hague
Roque, who is currently in The Hague, as revealed through his own social media posts, has denied all accusations, labeling them as politically motivated persecution. He questioned the legality of the search efforts to locate him and framed the case as part of a broader campaign to silence dissent.
Government Stresses Accountability Over Politics
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Press Officer Claire Castro rejected Roque’s claims of political persecution. “This is about prosecution, not persecution,” she stated, underscoring that even former allies of Roque are not convinced by his denials. Castro added that Roque’s return would save taxpayer money and demonstrate his commitment to transparency and due process.
The Palace’s statement reflects a broader stance by the Marcos administration to intensify the crackdown on illegal POGOs, which have been increasingly tied to human trafficking, scams, and transnational crime. Numerous operators have come under scrutiny following international and local pressure to clean up the country’s offshore gaming sector.
POGOs and National Security
The controversy comes amid a climate of growing concern over the POGO industry, once a thriving economic driver but now frequently associated with illegal activity, including fraud networks and human trafficking syndicates. The shutdown of Lucky South 99 adds to a series of enforcement actions against illegal POGO hubs operating across the Philippines.
As the legal case unfolds, Malacañang maintains that due process will prevail and continues to urge Harry Roque to return voluntarily and face the charges before the court, reinforcing that justice must take its course regardless of political affiliation.
