Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Thursday, August 22, that Katherine Cassandra Ong and Sheila Guo, who have connections to the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga, and the sister of the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Alice Guo, is now in the custody of Indonesian authorities. Their arrests have raised questions and fears among their families and supporters, as the details of their case continue to be monitored.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos received information from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Francis Marbil about the detention of two colleagues of Alice Guo in Indonesia. Remulla confirmed that Ong and Sheila were the ones arrested, saying, "This proves the connection between Bamban and Porac operations."
Sheila Guo has an arrest order from the Senate because of her and her siblings' failure to attend Senate hearings on illegal POGOs. However, the reason for Ong's detention is not yet clear, as he was only questioned by the Chamber, which has yet to issue an arrest order against him.
Santa Rosa, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez disclosed Ong's detention during a House hearing on Thursday, August 22, adding that PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and the country's police attaché are coordinating with Indonesian authorities for Ong's repatriation back to the Philippines.
Ong, also known as Cassy Ong or Cassy Li, is connected to Lucky South 99 POGO in Porac, Pampanga. He also enlisted former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to represent Whirlwind Corporation, the real estate company that leased land in Lucky South. In June, authorities identified Lucky South 99 POGO hubs as centers of illegal activity, including human trafficking and various scams.
Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier reported that Alice Guo left the Philippines to meet her family, including Ong, in Singapore. Both Guo and Ong face multiple accusations related to their connection to POGO.
