MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros said the cancellation of the passports of Cassandra Li Ong and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is justified, noting both face serious human trafficking charges and should not be allowed to evade the law.

“Dapat lang na kinansela ang pasaporte nila lalo pa na tila tinatakasan nila ang batas (It is only right that their passports were canceled, especially since they appear to be evading the law),” Hontiveros said in a statement.

She expressed confidence that both individuals will eventually be brought back to the country. “Hindi nila habambuhay matatakbuhan ang kanilang pananagutan (They cannot run forever from their accountabilities),” she added.

Hontiveros also urged authorities not to stop with Ong and Roque, emphasizing that criminal syndicates behind Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) scam hubs must also be held accountable.

“The conviction of Alice Guo is not the end of the story. Hindi lang siya ang mananagot — dapat lahat na sangkot (She is not the only one who must be held accountable — everyone involved must face justice),” the senator said.

She vowed continued vigilance to ensure that all individuals and groups linked to trafficking and POGO-related criminal operations are prosecuted. (PNA)