The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are stepping up efforts to locate and arrest Cassandra Li Ong, who is accused of qualified human trafficking linked to a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Pampanga.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Wednesday he has received information suggesting Ong may have already fled to China.
He said a review of her travel records indicates she is no longer in the Philippines, raising the possibility she returned to Fujian, China, where she is reportedly from. Remulla noted, however, that the information remains unverified.
Earlier reports from Malacañang stated Ong was still in the country. The Department of Justice has offered a P1-million reward for information leading to her arrest.
Ong, who is alleged to have represented the now-closed POGO hub Lucky South 99, has been charged alongside former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and more than 50 others. They face qualified human trafficking charges tied to an alleged scam operation in Pampanga.
PNP Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police are mandated to implement the arrest warrants issued by the Angeles, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 118 and ensure all accused appear in court. He has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to intensify the manhunt not only for Ong but for all suspects, whether they are in the country or abroad.
The Court of Appeals recently dismissed Ong’s petition challenging the Department of Justice’s resolution on her indictment.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DILG posits Cassandra Ong fled to China”
