Harry Roque to File Counter-Affidavit Amid Human Trafficking Charges

October 31, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced his plan to submit a counter-affidavit to defend himself against a human trafficking case related to alleged involvement in the operations of an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator in Pampanga.

“I will file my defense in the counter affidavit, but our rules allow different methods to do that,” Roque stated in Filipino during his October 29, 2024 Zoom conference with reporters.

On October 29, Roque was named as a respondent in the qualified human trafficking case filed against Cassandra Li Ong before the Department of Justice (DOJ). The case alleges Roque’s “active participation” in the operations of Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.

Roque emphasized that the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) lack any concrete evidence linking him to the case.

“It is clear that these charges are fabricated, and what I pray for is that our prosecutors will do their duty,” he said.

“There is no act of recruitment, no evidence of the method of using force, no evidence that what was done was to provide work to people, and no evidence of collusion or conspiracy,” he added.

Additionally, the charges include Ley Tan and Mercides Peralta Macabasa, who were allegedly involved in Lucky South 99’s operations as head of accounting and security compliance officer, respectively.

Roque is currently embroiled in serious allegations of human trafficking linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) known as Lucky South 99. This POGO hub was raided earlier this year due to accusations involving human trafficking, torture, and various scams.

Following these events, Roque has been labeled a “fugitive” by lawmakers after he failed to comply with a congressional order to submit essential documents, including tax records and a statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). His noncompliance led to a contempt citation and an arrest order from a special congressional committee.nInstead of appearing before the committee, Roque has gone into hiding and vowed not to surrender, which has fueled suspicions regarding his involvement in illegal activities.