Photo by Senate of the Philippines
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek the cancellation of Harry Roque’s passport, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced Thursday, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for the former presidential spokesperson.
The warrant, issued by a regional trial court, charges Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others with qualified human trafficking related to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm in Porac, Pampanga.
Remulla stated that the DOJ will formally request the passport cancellation through a letter. Roque, currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands, claims to be a victim of political persecution due to his ties with the Duterte family – a claim the Palace has denied. Remulla explained that Roque’s asylum application must be resolved before the arrest warrant can be enforced.
“If he doesn’t get asylum and his passport is canceled, he will have to be deported,” Remulla said. He expressed confidence that the Netherlands would not provide refuge to someone accused of such serious crimes, stating, “I believe that they will not tolerate the commission of crimes that are being charged here.” Remulla emphasized that due process had been afforded to Roque, noting his response to the complaint in Abu Dhabi and the subsequent decision by a panel of prosecutors to file charges.
The DOJ is also preparing the necessary documents to seek an Interpol red notice for Roque’s arrest internationally. The move to cancel his passport represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to bring Roque back to the Philippines to face the charges against him.
