The Department of Justice has announced a P1 million reward for credible information leading to the arrest of Cassandra Li Ong, wanted for qualified human trafficking linked to illegal POGO activities. This follows a court order canceling her passport amid challenges in tracking her movements. The initiative aims to expedite her court appearance.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has offered a P1 million reward for information leading to the location and arrest of Cassandra Li Ong, wanted for qualified human trafficking due to her alleged role in the illegal operations of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO). DOJ Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida stated the reward targets 'credible, actionable information' to bring Ong to court and advance the case. 'We know from the past that they have the ability to move around, enter and exit the Philippines undetected. This is so we can take her to court and the case can move forward,' he said.
A Pasig City Regional Trial Court ordered the cancellation of Ong's passport along with others, following her release from detention at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. The DOJ admitted uncertainty about whether Ong remains in the country or has fled, citing tracking difficulties. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission reported her last known location in Japan.
Passports were also canceled for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Ronelyn Baterna, Dennis Cunanan, and Mercedes Macabasa. Roque claimed the ruling is not final and plans a motion for reconsideration, but Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty affirmed it is final and executory with the Department of Foreign Affairs. Roque is seeking asylum in The Hague, alleging political persecution, though DOJ Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan noted: 'He has to demonstrate and establish to the authorities that he is being persecuted here and right now, there is no persecution, but he is being prosecuted.'
The next day, Roque denied reports of his arrest by Dutch authorities, posting his flight ticket to Vienna on Nov. 25. The Department of the Interior and Local Government received no official confirmation, per Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros endorsed the passport cancellations as justified, given evasion attempts. 'I am positive that soon enough they will be brought home to face the charges against them. They can’t run from this forever,' she said. She urged pursuing other POGO scam figures beyond the conviction of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Gatchalian added that the move would hinder Ong and Roque's mobility. The case stems from illegal operations at the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, originating from arrest warrants issued by the Angeles City RTC months earlier, before the Supreme Court transferred it to Pasig RTC.