DOJ to revoke passport of former Philippine presidential spokesperson

The move seeks to force Harry Roque Jr’s return to the Philippines.

The Philippines.- Jesus Crispin Remulla, the secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has announced that the department will revoke the passport of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. He also said a request for a red notice for Roque would be sent to International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). The move is intended to force him to return to the country.

Speaking to reporters, Remulla said: “I have not signed it yet but we will do that. (H)e will be an undocumented alien. If he does not get asylum and his passport is cancelled, he will have to be deported.”

Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others face human trafficking charges linked to alleged criminal activities at Lucky South 99, an offshore gaming operation that was raided in Porac. Roque left the Philippines in September after being cited for contempt by the House of Representatives for refusing to attend hearings. He is currently seeking political asylum in the Netherlands.

Roque claims the charges against him are “politically motivated”. He previously said there was no evidence of his involvement in human trafficking and that he broke no laws by accompanying Ong to a meeting with PAGCOR executives.