The passports of Harry Roque and four others have been cancelled, a direct consequence of court orders related to human trafficking charges. These charges stem from connections to illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), signaling a significant crackdown on related criminal activity.
According to officials, the Department of Foreign Affairs received the necessary documentation and promptly acted on the court’s directive. This action effectively restricts the individuals’ international travel, a key component of the ongoing investigation.
Despite reports circulating about his arrest, Roque’s office vehemently denied the claims. A Facebook post showcased his flight itinerary, detailing a scheduled trip from Amsterdam to Vienna, Austria, on November 25th, attempting to demonstrate his freedom of movement.
However, Justice Department officials countered this assertion, stating that a cancelled passport renders any international travel illegal. They warned that immigration authorities in any country have the right to detain individuals traveling without valid documentation.
The search for Katherine Cassandra L. Ong, another individual implicated in the case, has intensified. She remains at large, prompting the Justice Department to offer a substantial one million peso reward for information leading to her arrest.
Acting Justice Secretary Vida emphasized the department’s commitment to bringing Ong to justice, allocating funds specifically for this purpose. He acknowledged that current leads are insufficient, justifying the incentive for credible information.
The Justice Department is leveraging its extensive network of prosecution offices across the country to gather and analyze potential leads. This coordinated effort aims to locate Ong and ensure she faces legal proceedings.
Intelligence reports indicate Ong was last traced to Japan earlier this year, in January, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. This information, while a starting point, has not yet resulted in her apprehension.
