Philippines government asks Interpol’s help in apprehending fugitive lawyer connected to POGO human trafficking
Summary
The Philippine government has asked Interpol to assist in the arrest of Harry Roque, a former spokesman for Rodrigo Duterte, who is wanted over alleged involvement in human trafficking connected to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO). Roque served as legal counsel to Lucky 99 South in Porac, Pampanga, and represented Cassandra Li Ong in dealings with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR).
POGOs were banned in July 2024 after investigations uncovered online romance and crypto scams often powered by forced labour. A raid at the Pampanga facility freed around 150 foreign and Filipino workers, some showing signs of physical abuse. In October 2024 the Presidential Anti‑Organised Crime Commission charged Roque with qualified human trafficking; he has since fled and is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, claiming political persecution. The government has cancelled his passport to limit his movement.
The authorities’ request to Interpol follows a high‑profile conviction in which Alice Guo was sentenced to life imprisonment under expanded anti‑trafficking laws that allow prosecution of those who organise and direct forced labour, even if they did not physically harm victims.
Key Points
- The Philippine government has requested Interpol’s help to apprehend fugitive lawyer Harry Roque.
- Roque, once Duterte’s spokesman, acted as counsel to POGO Lucky 99 South and represented Cassandra Li Ong.
- POGOs were banned in July 2024 after raids uncovered forced labour, scams and physical abuse; a Pampanga raid freed about 150 workers.
- Roque was charged with qualified human trafficking in October 2024 and is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, saying he faces political persecution.
- The government cancelled Roque’s passport; he argues Interpol notices do not override asylum protections in receiving states.
- Alice Guo was recently convicted and sentenced to life under expanded anti‑trafficking laws — the first conviction of its kind in the country.
- If convicted under the expanded law, Roque faces severe penalties aimed at organisers and directors of trafficking networks, not only those who commit physical abuse.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads up — this story links politics, offshore gaming and serious human‑trafficking allegations. Interpol getting involved means this could have international fallout. Read it if you want the short, sharp version of what this means for enforcement, POGO regulation and cross‑border legal action.
