The operations to locate and arrest Cassandra Li Ong and all her co-accused in the case of qualified human trafficking are ongoing and will be intensified, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.
“Our mandate is to serve the order of the court and in this case, locate and bring all the accused for them to face the charges against them,” said PNP Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. “We are committed to complying with the court order,” he added.
Nartatez also said he already tasked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to intensify the operation not only against Ong, but every identified suspect in relation to cases involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“We do not only focus on Ms. Ong, we will also make sure that all the respondents, whether they are in the Philippines or abroad, will be located and be taken to the court that issued the arrest warrant,” he said.
More than 50 people were accused of qualified human trafficking in connection with the alleged scam hub operated by Lucky South 99. Aside from Ong, also charged was lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
The Angeles, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 118 issued warrants of arrest against Ong and her co-accused in May this year. Ong is the alleged representative of the closed POGO hub.
The Court of Appeals recently dismissed her petition challenging the Department of Justice’s resolution on her indictment.
On Tuesday, Malacañang said Ong is still in the Philippines based on official records, amid reports that she was last monitored to be in Japan.
