PAOCC, PNP include Harry Roque in qualified trafficking complaint

Authorities on Monday filed a supplemental complaint affidavit against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and two others over the alleged trafficking operations at the Lucky South 99 POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga.

Roque was added as a respondent in the complaint that was filed against Cassandra Li Ong, Lucky South 99 authorized respondent, and several others in September for violation of Republic Act 9208, as amended by RA 10364, as further amended by RA 11862.

According to Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) prosecutor Darwin Cañete, Roque was included due to his alleged “active participation in the furtherance of the illegal activity” of the firm.

“There is a statement or testimony from… the assistant vice president of PAGCOR that last July 26, 2023 respondent Roque and Cassandra Ong went to their office to have a meeting with PAGCOR,” Cañete said in an ambush interview.

“Meron din judicial affidavit si Atty. Fernandez that Atty. Roque made several follow-ups with her on the status of the application of the renewal of the online gambling license of the Lucky South,” he added.

Asked about Roque’s previous defense that he only accompanied Ong, Cañete expressed hope that the former spokesperson would submit his evidence, saying this was Roque’s opportunity to clear his name.

“But for now, we cannot ignore the documentation, the testimony, and the other evidences that have been submitted for investigation at ito yung naging conclusion ng investigation. So ifa-file namin (And this has been the conclusion of the investigation. So we will file it.),” he said.

In September, the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) cited Roque in contempt and ordered him detained after he refused to submit documents that would supposedly justify his increased wealth.

He has not attended the hearings of the QuadComm since. 

Asked about Roque’s absence in the public eye, Cañete said it is up to Roque if he wanted to face the allegations against him.

“But the process has to move on. The process has to take place,” he said.

When sought for comment, Roque said this was a “trumped-up charge.”

“Malinaw na pinilit lang itong kaso para matuwa ang nasa itaas. Wala akong kinalaman sa POGO at sa operasyon nito,” he said in a message to reporters.

(It’s clear that this was only filed against me to please someone up high. I don’t have anything to do with this POGO operation.)

“Mayroon ba akong ni-recruit at pinag trabaho na Pilipino o Tsino sa Lucky South 99, para ako makasuhan ng qualified human trafficking?” Roque said.

(Did I recruit anyone and ask any Filipino or Chinese to the Lucky South 99, so they can charge me with qualified human trafficking?)

He said that he will face the allegations against him and will hold those responsible for the “miscarriage of justice” in due course.—RF, GMA Integrated News