Authorities manning the country’s borders were already alerted over the possible escape of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there is still no indication that Roque already left the country based on the intelligence reports from the police and other agencies.
“Based on our coordination with the Bureau of Immigration, there is no indication that he already exited the country so we are guarding all the possible exit points that he might use,” said Fajardo.
“Definitely, the Customs is on alert definitely. I think he already has an ILBO (Immigration Look-out Bulletin). So of course there are already efforts in the ports in coordination with relevant government agencies,” she added.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil earlier ordered the creation of tracker teams to serve the House of Representatives arrest warrant against Roque, the document was issued after the former government official snubbed summons and failed to submit documents in relation to his wealth increase.
The arrest warrant was particularly issued by the Quad-Committee looking into the drug war and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Police tried to serve the arrest warrant in known houses and offices of Roque but the former University of the Philippines law professor could not be found.
In a press briefing, Fajardo also urged Roque to show up.
“I would like to take this opportunity if Atty. Harry Roque would be able to watch this interview, respect the process. At the end of the day nobody is above the law,” said Fajardo.
Aside from the PNP, Fajardo said other law enforcement agencies are also looking for Roque.