'Boss Terry': Co-accused in Roque, Ong trafficking case arrested in Pampanga

December 31, 2025 | 6:01pm

MANILA, Philippines — Police arrested a third suspect in the human trafficking case linked to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations, as two high-profile co-accused — former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and businesswoman Cassandra Ong — remain at large.

The CIDG, with other law enforcement agencies, apprehended the suspect during a manhunt operation at around 11:30 a.m. on December 29 in Angeles City, Pampanga.

According to a state news release, "Boss Terry" is a 44-year-old Chinese national, married and living in Porac, Pampanga — the same municipality where real estate firm Whirlwind Corp. and the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) Lucky South 99 were based.

Ong was a major shareholder of Whirlwind, which leased land to Lucky South 99, and she also served as the operator’s authorized representative. Roque, meanwhile, allegedly acted as legal counsel for Whirlwind while accompanying Ong in reapplying for Lucky South 99’s gaming license.

The CIDG said "Boss Terry" is one of Lucky South 99's administrative officers who was allegedly responsible for torturing "erring Chinese POGO employees."

The third arrest comes months after the CIDG began deploying tracker teams nationwide on May 15 to locate Roque, Ong, and 49 others, following a complaint that led to the issuance of search warrants.

Between May 22 and May 29, authorities apprehended Lucky South 99's operations officer "Marlon" in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and security guard "Mariano" in Clark, Pampanga.

One of 51

“Boss Terry” is one of 51 accused facing non-bailable human trafficking charges linked to illegal POGO operations, where syndicates reportedly kidnapped individuals who could not repay online gambling debts and forced them to work for the POGOs.

In the ongoing hunt for individuals involved in illegal POGO operations, only former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo has been convicted in a separate human trafficking case, receiving a life sentence from the Pasig Regional Trial Court on November 20. 

While Roque remains somewhere in the Netherlands with a canceled Philippine passport, Ong was last seen by authorities in Japan in early 2025 after she was released from detention.

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