Potential Pogo Connection in Harry Roque’s Escape from PH – Hontiveros
HARRY ROQUE – Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns about a potential connection to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s reported escape from the Philippines, urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The mysterious escape of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque from the Philippines has raised questions about potential involvement from key players in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) industry. Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday suggested this possibility and called for a thorough investigation to identify who facilitated Roque’s departure.
Roque is reportedly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Senator Hontiveros pointed out that Dubai, a major city in the UAE, is known as a hub for Pogo operations. “Dubai is a Pogo hub, so it’s possible that Pogo actors helped him escape,” she said during a statement.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has come under scrutiny for Roque’s escape, with Senator Hontiveros emphasizing the agency’s need to clarify how such incidents occur. She also mentioned the unresolved case of Guo Hua Ping, a Pogo-linked individual who fled to Indonesia, highlighting a broader pattern of inadequacies in immigration enforcement.
Accoirding to the report, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that Roque likely left the country through illegal means, as records show no formal departure attempt by him. Viado further stated that the BI’s legal team is studying the possibility of filing additional complaints against Roque for evading legal processes.
Roque’s legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement in a qualified human trafficking case linked to Cassandra Li Ong and several others. The case revolves around the alleged illegal activities of Lucky South 99 Corp, a Pogo hub. Additionally, Roque faces an arrest order from the House of Representatives for contempt after failing to provide documents justifying a reported sudden increase in his wealth.
The allegations connecting Roque’s escape to Pogo actors underscore the need for enhanced oversight of the gaming sector and stricter border controls. Hontiveros stressed that law enforcement agencies must determine who assisted Roque in fleeing the country and hold them accountable.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on both Roque’s whereabouts and the larger issue of systemic lapses in regulating Pogo operations and ensuring justice in high-profile cases.
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