Harry Roque and Sen. Risa Hontiveros. ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros welcomed Friday the arrest orders issued against Harry Roque and Cassandra Ong over their alleged involvement in the operation of an illegal POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

"The arrest orders issued against Harry Roque, Cassi Li Ong... are a welcome development in our crusade against POGOs... Dapat lang na humarap sa korte ang mga akusado," said Hontiveros.

Court orders Harry Roque’s arrest

A regional trial court in Angeles, Pampanga issued the arrest orders against Roque, Ong, and 9 others for alleged human trafficking in relation to the Porac POGO hub Lucky South 99.

The court found probable cause against Roque, Ong, and 9 others, for non-bailable violations under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

Hontiveros said the Porac POGO hub was "one of the biggest scam compounds in the country."

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"Talamak ang human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, money laundering, at kung anu-ano pang krimen," she said,

Hontiveros led the Senate's months-long investigation into illegal POGO hubs in the country until President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. outlawed the industry last year.

"Harry Roque must be compelled to return to the Philippines... These dubious personalities seem to be interconnected. Kaya importante na mapanagot ang mga mapatunayang may sala," she said.

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The DOJ said that once the arrest warrant is out, the Philippine government would request to place Roque on the red notice of the International Criminal Police Organization, the global police group that handed the International Criminal Court warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Roque, who has been out of the country since last year, said he would "seek all available legal remedies to secure my life and liberty which are currently under threat."

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