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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH to tap diplomatic channels to arrest Harry Roque -- DOJ

PH to tap diplomatic channels to arrest Harry Roque -- DOJ

Published May 16, 2025 02:11 pm
The government will tap diplomatic channels to enforce the arrest order issued by the court against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque who has been charged with non-bailable case of qualified human trafficking.
One of the channels being eyed is the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), said DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV.
Roque and several other accused have been ordered arrested by the Angeles City regional trial court (RTC).
Also ordered arrested were 63 other accused in the case including Dennis L. Cunanan, the former director general of the defunct Technology Resource Center (TRC), and Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, one of the officers of Lucky South 99.
The case stemmed from the alleged criminal activities of Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga that has been shut down by the government.
Roque is in the Netherlands where he is seeking political asylum. He left the Philippines last year.
“As for Harry Roque, since he is abroad, the process will be to go through diplomatic channels,” Clavano said as he urged him to return to the Philippines.
“He is not being singled out,” assured Clavano.
“We should look at this as a venue wherein he can clear his name if indeed he does believe in his innocence,” he also said.
As to Roque’s other co-accused, 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 do not leave the country and face the charges of qualified human trafficking,” he explained.
At the same time, Clavano said that Roque is not facing political persecution and that “this is a matter of prosecution for a crime in the Philippines.”
Earlier, published reports stated that Roque will seek all legal remedies to secure his liberty which has been under threat.
“The issuance of a warrant of arrest forms part of the unjust prosecution, which I will include to my application for asylum in the Netherlands as a victim of political persecution owing to my loyalty to the Dutertes,” Roque was quoted as saying.
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