PNP prepares as gov't seeks Interpol Red Notice vs Harry Roque
photo: PNP
Police intelligence and other concerned units were placed on standby in case the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) would grant the Philippine government’s request for the issuance of a Red Notice against lawyer Harry Roque.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said they are currently monitoring the progress of the government’s request against Roque who is facing a non-bailable case of qualified human trafficking in relation to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.
“The Philippine National Police is prepared to act in full compliance with national and international protocols while upholding due process and the rights of the person involved,” said Nartatez.
“This reflects the PNP’s dedication to transnational crime enforcement and ensures that justice is pursued both domestically and internationally,” he added.
As part of its preparations, Nartatez directed its intelligence and tracker teams to maintain continuous communication with the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila.
Earlier, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) revealed that the Philippine government had requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice against the former presidential spokesperson for alleged qualified human trafficking.
A Red Notice is an alert issued by Interpol to its member countries, requesting the location and provisional arrest of a person wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence, based on a valid national arrest warrant.
Nartatez earlier disclosed that they are now working to locate Cassandra Ong, Roque’s co-accused who was reported to have flown to Japan early this year.
The case stemmed from the operation of Lucky South 99 POGO scam hub in Porac, Pampanga where authorities reportedly rescued 158 foreign employees from conditions involving torture, kidnapping, and sex trafficking.
Roque is accused of helping secure an operating license for the hub and leading its legal department during its license reapplication, which was later denied by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
Roque, who repeatedly denied the allegations and claimed that the case is politically motivated over his loyalty to former president Rodrigo Duterte, is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
Nartatez said they will utilize established communication channels through the NCB to relay the information to Interpol member countries where Roque has been reportedly sighted.
This, he said, enables immediate coordination for the provisional arrest and subsequent deportation or extradition process.