Philippine police may seek help from Interpol to arrest former presidential spokesperson

Harry Roque Jr. is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands. 

The Philippines.- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported that it is considering requesting the assistance of Interpol in serving an arrest warrant on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. At a press briefing, PNP public information office chief colonel Randulf Tuaño also said the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will work with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to find Cassandra Ong, an incorporator of Whirlwind, the company that leased property to Lucky South 99, if she has left the country.

Roque, 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. A Regional Trial Court in Angeles City issued an arrest warrant for them on May 8. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday (May 16) that they might request a hold departure order for Cassandra Ong and seek Roque’s arrest through Interpol.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said: “The prosecution may apply for a hold departure order given that a warrant is already issued for their arrest. This is to ensure that the accused does not leave the country and face the charges of Qualified Human Trafficking.” For Roque, who is abroad, the DOJ plans to use diplomatic channels to address the issue.

Roque left the Philippines in September after being cited for contempt by the House of Representatives for failing to appear in hearings on offshore gaming operators. He is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands and 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.