DOJ offers P1 million reward for information on Cassandra Ong's whereabouts

The Department of Justice is offering a P1 million reward for information on the location of Cassandra Li Ong.

Ong, a representative of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator Lucky South 99, is wanted for qualified human trafficking. She's also an alleged cohort of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, who has been found guilty of qualified human trafficking.

In a press briefing on Nov. 25, acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said they are offering the reward for "credible actionable information that will directly lead to the lawful discovery, location, and subsequent arrest” of Ong.

“Batid naman po natin sa nakalipas ay may kakayanan sila. May kakayanan na umikot, gumalaw, at makalabas at pumasok ng Pilipinas nang hindi natutukoy,” Vida said.

Vida admitted the DOJ cannot confirm if Ong is still in the country or not, and is having difficulty tracking her movements.

“Definitely, with the current information that we have, we don’t have enough. That’s why we’re offering the reward. And it’s an effective tool,” he said.

Vida’s announcement came after a Pasig City Regional Trial Court canceled the passports of Ong and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, along with several co-accused in the human trafficking case.

Ong is currently at large, as earlier disclosed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, after being released from detention at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission earlier said Ong’s last location was tracked in Japan.

PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio added that an International Police Organization red notice has been issued against Ong.

Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty clarified that the cancellation order on the passports of Ong, Roque, and others is final and executory by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In May, an Angeles, Pampanga court ordered the arrest of Ong, Roque and others for alleged human trafficking in relation to a POGO hub.