Philippines Intensifies POGO Crackdown: P1M Reward Offered for Fugitive in Trafficking Case Linked to Guo

Cassandra “Cassie” Li Ong.

Philippines Intensifies POGO Crackdown: P1M Reward Offered for Fugitive in Trafficking Case Linked to Guo

By Wilma N Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | November 28, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Following the life sentence handed down to former Bamban Mayor Alice Leal Guo for qualified human trafficking, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is intensifying its efforts to dismantle illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) networks.

The DOJ has announced a P1-million reward for information leading to the arrest of Cassandra “Cassie” Ong, a key figure linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO controversy and facing similar trafficking charges.

Acting DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida disclosed the reward, emphasizing the department’s commitment to holding Ong accountable for her alleged role in operating “pig butchering” scams from POGO hubs in Porac, Pampanga. Hundreds were reportedly coerced into participating in these schemes, defrauding victims worldwide.

“The Department of Justice is formally announcing that it is offering a one-million-peso reward for credible and actionable information that will directly lead to the lawful discovery of the location and the subsequent arrest of Cassandra Li Ong by authorized law enforcement agents,” Vida stated.

Ong, a representative of Lucky South 99, has evaded authorities, prompting the reward offer. The DOJ acknowledges her ability to previously enter and exit the Philippines undetected and currently lacks concrete information on her whereabouts. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission last tracked her in Japan in December 2024.

This announcement coincides with a significant legal development. On Monday, November 24, 2025, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 157 ordered the cancellation of passports belonging to Ong, controversial lawyer Harry Roque, and several others implicated in the POGO trafficking case. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed that the passport cancellation is final and executory, further tightening the net around the fugitives and restricting their international movement.

Ong was previously detained for contempt but was released upon the adjournment of Congress, highlighting the complexities of prosecuting these cases. The reward underscores the government’s renewed focus on dismantling illegal POGO operations in the wake of the Guo case, which exposed systemic vulnerabilities and potential corruption.

Guo’s Life Sentence Exposes POGO Corruption and Espionage Concerns

The Guo case has sent shockwaves through the Philippines. Her life sentence for qualified human trafficking stems from the discovery of a massive scam operation disguised as a POGO in Bamban, Tarlac, where she served as mayor. The facility, operated by Baofu Land Development Inc., housed over 700 individuals coerced into “pig butchering” scams.

Guo’s initial claims of ignorance, despite the compound’s proximity to her office, fueled controversy. A Senate investigation revealed her prior ownership of the land, raising questions about her complicity. The investigation expanded to include inquiries about Guo’s citizenship and alleged ties to a Chinese national, Guo Hua Ping, sparking concerns about foreign influence and potential espionage. These allegations remain under investigation and have strained relations between the Philippines and China.

While the verdict brings justice to the victims, questions remain about Guo’s background and the full extent of her involvement. The court also ordered the seizure of the Baofu compound for government use. Eight co-defendants were acquitted, highlighting the challenges in prosecuting complex criminal enterprises.

The Guo case underscores the proliferation of transnational scam operations across Southeast Asia, which are estimated to have cost victims $37 billion in 2023 alone, according to a UN report. The rise of these scams coincided with the expansion of POGOs under the previous administration, a policy now reversed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Guo’s sentencing represents a significant victory, but the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, law enforcement, and international cooperation to combat transnational criminal networks.