DOJ: P1 M reward for arrest of Cassandra Ong

[Updated Nov. 25, 2025, 4 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) is offering a P1-million reward for any information leading to the arrest of Cassandra Li Ong, who is facing a human trafficking charge before the Pasig Court.

“The Department of Justice is formally announcing that it is offering a P1 million reward for credible, actionable information that will directly lead to the lawful discovery, location, and subsequent arrest by authorized law enforcement agents of Cassandra Li Ong, who is presently the subject of an ongoing criminal proceedings before the regional trial court of law,” acting Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said Tuesday.

Vida admitted that they opted to offer a reward because the authorities are having difficulty locating Ong.

“Yes, we confirmed that we are having difficulty [locating Ong]. The reward is basically crowdsourcing it. We need more information. Definitely, the current information that we have, we don’t have enough,” he said at a press conference.

Where is Cassandra Ong?

According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the last information on Ong was that she was in Japan.

“All information will be weighed and all information will be factored in,” Vida said adding that they will also coordinate with the Japanese government.

However, to date, Vida said: “Based on verified information from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), as of today, there is no record of any departure.”

Ong is one of the accused in a qualified human trafficking case for her involvement in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corporation.

The Pasig Court already cancelled her passport, along with her other co-accused, including former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque. /gsg /abc /mr