The Philippine police continue to intensify their crackdown on illegal offshore gambling (POGO), with key suspects recently arrested. On May 25, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police reported that a man using the alias "Marlon" was arrested on May 22 in Mabalacat City, Pampanga Province. This man, formerly an operations officer in the security department of "Lucky South 99," is suspected of involvement in illegal operations and human trafficking.
According to the police, "Marlon" was arrested in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City, and is one of the defendants in a major POGO case. This case is related to the "Lucky 99" company within the POGO economic zone, involving illegal gambling and systematic human trafficking, with victims including a large number of local and foreign employees.
This operation was carried out under the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act" (Republic Act No. 9208), executed by the 118th branch of the Red Creek Ritual City District Court issuing the arrest warrant. CIDG emphasized that this is an important progress in combating the illegal network of "Lucky 99."
The case involves 50 defendants, including high-profile figures such as former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and entrepreneur Cassandra Wong. The police stated that these two individuals are still at large. Roque has claimed to have sought asylum in the Netherlands due to "political persecution"; Cassandra Wong was briefly detained for refusing to cooperate with a House investigation.
CIDG reiterated that they will continue to pursue fugitive suspects, hold all involved accountable according to the law, and strengthen efforts to combat illegal gambling operations and cross-border human trafficking.
