Non-Bailable Human Trafficking Charges Filed Against Harry Roque, Associates

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is now facing serious legal troubles after he was formally charged with qualified human trafficking before the Angeles City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Pampanga. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a scam farm operation that was raided in Porac, Pampanga last year.

Roque was charged alongside Cassandra Li Ong and 48 other individuals, identified as owners, officials, and employees of two Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs): Whirlwind Corporation and Lucky South 99.

According to the official charge sheet filed on Monday, the crime was allegedly committed by a syndicate and on a large scale, noting that it was carried out by a group of three or more individuals who conspired and acted in concert. Under Philippine law, specifically Section 6 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, qualified human trafficking is considered a heinous crime and is non-bailable.

The court is now in the process of determining whether there is probable cause to issue arrest warrants against Roque and his co-accused. As of this writing, no arrest order has been issued.

In response to the news, Roque said he had not yet received a copy of the court’s resolution. He also clarified that he is currently in the Netherlands, where he has a pending application for political asylum. Should an arrest warrant be issued, Roque is unlikely to be extradited, as the Philippines does not have an existing extradition treaty with the Netherlands.

Previously, during hearings before the House of Representatives, Roque maintained that his role was limited to being the legal counsel for Whirlwind in an ejectment case. He further stated that he only assisted Ong in securing meetings with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to discuss the renewal of Lucky South 99’s gaming license. Roque strongly denied any involvement in human trafficking activities.

The scam farm that triggered the investigation was raided by authorities in 2024 after reports emerged of human trafficking, illegal detention, and forced labor involving foreign nationals, particularly from Southeast Asia. During the raid, dozens of individuals were rescued from facilities allegedly operated by Whirlwind and Lucky South 99.

The charges filed against Roque and others add another layer of complexity to the broader crackdown on illegal POGO activities in the Philippines, many of which have been linked to human trafficking, cyber scams, and labor exploitation. The government has since intensified efforts to regulate or shut down POGO companies that violate laws and exploit workers.

As the case moves forward, legal experts note that Roque’s political asylum application could be complicated by the pending criminal charges, even without a formal extradition process. The situation also casts a shadow over Roque’s past government service and his continued involvement in legal and political affairs.

Further developments are expected as the Angeles City RTC decides on the issuance of arrest warrants and as authorities coordinate with international agencies regarding Roque’s current status abroad.