Manila, Nov. 23 -- The Philippine National Police has stepped up coordination with international law enforcement authorities to locate and arrest Cassandra Ong, a key figure linked to the controversial Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99.

"Gagawin ng PNP ang lahat upang mapabalik siya dito at maharap niya ang mga kaso laban sa kanya (The PNP will do everything to bring her back to the country so she could face the charges against her)," acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Ong fled the country early this year and was last monitored in Japan after her release from detention.

Ong is facing an act...