Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and 49 others were charged with qualified human trafficking. According to the Department of Justice, they allegedly conspired for the trafficking activities of Whirlwind Corp. and Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. in Porac, Pampanga.
Employees were allegedly forced to work as customer service representatives for illegal online gambling operations. There are also reports that they experienced physical abuse, threats, and had their travel documents taken.
Roque allegedly served as legal counsel for the companies and helped renew business permits despite knowing about the illegal activities. He is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
Respondents also include Cassandra Li Ong, Duanren Wu, Ronelyn Baterna, Dennis Cunanan, Han Gao, Norman Macapagal, Stephanie Mascareñas, and others. Lucky South 99 is also connected to former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who is being investigated as a Chinese spy.
Roque posted on Facebook, claiming that he is being subjected to political persecution. However, according to Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, this is not because of politics, but because of the serious crime of human trafficking.
