The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Monday that qualified human trafficking charges have been filed against Whirlwind Corporation incorporator Cassandra Ong and lawyer Harry Roque for their alleged involvement in the illegal operation of a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
DOJ undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty told reporters the prosecutors considered “Whirlwind Corporation and Lucky South 99 to be one and the same” absent a separation of corporate entities.
He added that other notable respondents include company executives Duanren Wu and Dennis Cunanan.
Ty said their theory remained the same citing Sec. 4 (l) of the Trafficking in Persons Act, which provides that organizing and financing an enterprise engaged in human trafficking.
An information has already been filed in Angeles City regional trial court, the case will be transferred to Pasig, where cases related to illegal POGOs in Luzon are being heard.
Meanwhile, in the case of Roque, Ty explained that even though he claims to be a lawyer for Whirlwind [Corporation], he went to the office to plead for the application of Lucky South 99.
The government of the Netherlands will be informed that Roque is facing the charges, according to him.
Upon issuance of the warrant, authorities will arrest the accused while those who are not here will be considered fugitives from justice, he said.
Other options also include cancellation of passport and placement in the red list of Interpol.