The Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 118 has ordered the arrest of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and others in relation to the qualified human trafficking case involving the Lucky South99 Scam Hub in Porac, Pampanga.
In its 9-page Decision dated May 8, the court found probable cause to hold the accused for trial for the offenses charged against them.
It also ordered the consolidation of the 11 cases that will be heard in a joint trial, noting that the offenses charged are non-bailable.
In an interview with Manila Standard, Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said they are expected to present their defense to the judge, while the prosecutors shall do their best to get the conviction.
“This goes to show that the DOJ’s efforts have been worthwhile. It also shows that getting involved in an illegal POGO operation has its consequences. Especially, when it involves trafficking in persons,” he said.
For his part, Roque noted that the issuance of a warrant of arrest forms part of the unjust prosecution.
“I am a victim of political persecution by the Marcos government because I am an ally of the Dutertes. I will seek all available legal remedies to secure my life and liberty, which are currently under threat,” said Roque.
Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands, insists that he shall include the warrant in his application.
He claims that this is not flight as evidence of guilt but the exercise of a human right to asylum.
In a video clip posted on Facebook, Roque said he will file a motion for reconsideration with the DOJ even if such is highly unlikely to prosper.
“I still have [legal] remedies, which I will take, such as the motion for reconsideration, which I know is hopeless because the DOJ is too political… but before we get to court, we really have to go through filing a motion for reconsideration,” he said in Filipino.
Aside from Roque and Ong, 11 separate Informations were filed against a total of 48 other accused individuals for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DOJ backs Pampanga court arrest warrant vs. Roque, others”