The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Philippines has officially initiated procedures to request the revocation of passports for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and three others. These individuals are suspected of illegally operating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) businesses in the Porac area of Pampanga province and are considered to be at risk of fleeing.
The individuals whose passports are to be cancelled also include former technology officer Dennis Cunanan, Ronelyn Baterna, and Mercides Macabasa. The DOJ has requested the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs to complete the passport cancellation process to prevent their departure from the country.
This action is part of the judicial accountability efforts against Whirlwind Corporation and "Lucky South 99" for alleged illegal activities in the gaming and human trafficking sectors. Arrest warrants have already been issued by the Angeles City District Court, and investigations are ongoing.
The key hearing was presided over by Judge Rene Estrada Reyes of the 118th Division of the Los Angeles District Court, who requested that the court and the prosecution complete the relevant legal procedures within 15 days. Prosecutor Marielle Herrera of the DOJ confirmed that the passport cancellation procedures for the aforementioned five individuals have officially commenced, and the court has also issued a Hold Departure Order (HDO), restricting their travel.
Furthermore, the court has also imposed travel restrictions on another 24 defendants, continuously expanding the scope of judicial accountability. Siblings Raymond Galleon Co and Randell Galleon Co, who are involved in the case, have submitted a petition for reconsideration, awaiting a written response from the prosecution within 15 days.
It is noteworthy that Harry Roque left the Philippines in September 2024, now resides in The Hague, Netherlands, and has applied for political asylum, having been deemed in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify. The case continues to progress intensely.
