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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Harry Roque's asylum bid in Austria denied, Jonvic says

Harry Roque's asylum bid in Austria denied, Jonvic says

Published Jul 25, 2026 01:54 pm
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla confirmed that the asylum application of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque in Austria was rejected. 
With the failed Vienna asylum bid, Remulla said authorities are just waiting for the Interpol Red Notice and at anytime Roque can be brought back to the country, “at the shortest time possible.’’
“Nasa Vienna (capital of Austria) siya (Harry Roque). Meron na kaming communication, so hindi siya nagtatago but anytime pwede na namin siyang kunin. Ah human trafficking ang kaso niya. (He is in Vienna. We already have a communication, he is not hiding but anytime we can get him. He has a human trafficking case),’’ Remulla noted.
But things seemed easier said than done even with Remulla’s optimism of Roque’s repatriation, admitting facing legal human rights obstacles in Europe.
“Europe is very particular sa human rights, very procedural sila, they throw roadblocks along the way (Europe is very particular on human rights, they are very procedural, they throw roadblocks along the way),’’ Remulla explained.
Since Roque entered Europe using a Schengen visa issued by Austria, it is Austria that must decide on his asylum petition.
Under the Dublin rules, the country that issued a person’s visa is usually responsible for handling their asylum application.
In a Facebook Live broadcast earlier, Roque confirmed that the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) denied both his initial petition and appeal for asylum in the Netherlands.
Roque is at the center of a human trafficking case linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
In May 2025, the Angeles Regional Trial Court issued arrest warrants against Roque, businesswoman Cassandra Ong and 50 others for alleged involvement in human trafficking connected to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub.
With the case drawing worldwide attention, Roque was also implicated for his active role in securing the POGO’s license and managing legal matters for the firm.
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