MANILA: The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have filed human trafficking charges against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. and two others. The charges stem from their alleged involvement with Lucky South 99 Corporation, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub, which was raided in Porac, Pampanga.According to Philippines News Agency, the charges were included in a supplemental complaint filed before the Department of Justice. Roque, along with Mercides Macabasa and Ley Tan, were added to an existing complaint against Cassandra Li Ong and 53 others for violating Republic Act 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. This act has been amended by Republic Act 10364 and further amended by Republic Act 11862.Prosecutor Darwin Cañete of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking stated that Roque was implicated due to his alleged active involvement in the illegal operations of Lucky South 99. Cañete mentioned a testimony from an assistant vice president of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), who reported a meeting on July 26, 2023, between Roque and Cassandra Ong at their office. Roque allegedly made several inquiries regarding the renewal of the company's gambling license.Cañete explained that individuals connected to Lucky South 99 should be held accountable and are expected to clarify their roles concerning the human trafficking activities. Tan was identified as the head of the company's accounting department, while Macabasa was noted as the security compliance officer.Roque has denied any involvement with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators but has expressed his willingness to address the charges against him.