Philippine police: Suspects involved in the Lucky 99 case will all be arrested!

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) recently arrested a suspect involved in a human trafficking case related to the offshore gambling operator "Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc." The case involves several public figures and corporate executives.

On the evening of May 29 at 6 PM, the police conducted an arrest operation in the public security department of Clark Freeport Zone, Bamban Province, detaining Mariano, who had worked as a security officer for the gambling company. The police stated that Mariano is one of the 50 defendants identified in the case, currently facing charges under the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act" (RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364), with some charges being non-bailable.

The case has a wide range of involvement, including the company's head Cassandra Ong and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is currently considered a fugitive. The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that it is cooperating with Interpol to put Roque on the wanted list and is proceeding to cancel his passport to compel him to return to the country to face legal proceedings.

The police mentioned that on May 22, another suspect, Marlon, was successfully detained in Brgy. Tabun, Mabalacat City, through entrapment.

Authorities are urging other suspects who have not yet appeared to voluntarily surrender to avoid further legal consequences. The police emphasized that they will continue to investigate the network behind this case and will vigorously combat all forms of illegal human trafficking and exploitation.

It is understood that "Lucky South 99" was found in a previous raid to be involved in illegal detention, forced labor, and suspected human smuggling, with victims mostly being citizens of neighboring Southeast Asian countries. This incident has once again raised high concerns about the criminal activities hidden behind offshore gambling operators.