Philippine police on standby after request for Interpol Red Notice for former presidential spokesperson linked to POGO
Summary
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been placed on standby after the government requested an Interpol Red Notice for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Roque faces charges including inciting to sedition and human trafficking linked to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) compound. Authorities say Roque led the firm’s legal department and represented it in a failed PAGCOR licence reapplication. Roque left the Philippines last year and has reportedly been seen in Germany; he claims political persecution. Criminal cases against him and 48 others were filed in April, and the PNP says it will coordinate with Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Manila and act as the primary enforcement arm if a Red Notice is approved.
Key Points
- Government has requested an Interpol Red Notice for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
- Roque is accused of inciting to sedition and human trafficking, among other charges.
- Allegations link Roque to Lucky South 99, a POGO compound implicated in forced labour and scams.
- PNP ordered to maintain continuous contact with Interpol’s NCB in Manila and to act on the notice if approved.
- Alice Guo, the so-called ‘POGO mayor’ of Lucky South 99, recently received a life sentence for human trafficking related to the same compound.
- Roque has reportedly been abroad (Germany) since leaving the Philippines; he denies wrongdoing, calling it political persecution.
- Criminal cases were filed in April against Roque and 48 others, signalling an ongoing crackdown on POGO-linked crimes.
Context and Relevance
This development sits at the intersection of political controversy, international law enforcement cooperation and the Philippines’ broader crackdown on illicit activity tied to offshore gaming. For regulators, operators and compliance teams in the gaming sector, the case underlines rising enforcement risks, reputational exposure and the potential for cross-border legal actions. It also highlights how human-trafficking investigations can ripple through the industry and trigger diplomatic and extradition complexities.
Why should I read this?
If you follow the Asian gaming sector, law enforcement moves or Philippine politics, this is worth a skim — big names, international angles and real legal bite. It shows the authorities are serious about pursuing figures tied to POGOs and human-trafficking allegations, and that these cases can go global via Interpol.
Author style
Punchy: this is a high-stakes enforcement story with industry-wide implications. If the Red Notice goes through, expect more scrutiny on POGO operators, faster regulatory action and heightened risk for anyone linked to Lucky South 99.
