DOJ moves to cancel Harry Roque’s passports

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally sought the cancellation of the passports of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is facing charges of qualified human trafficking.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ petitioned the Angeles City Regional Trial Court in Pampanga to cancel Roque’s passports.

At the same time, the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has asked the International Criminal Police Organization to issue a red notice for Roque.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed yesterday that the request has been made, following the issuance of a warrant for Roque’s arrest.

Roque, who is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, has a pending arrest warrant issued by the Pampanga court over his alleged involvement in Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator in Porac, accused of trafficking and other scam activities.

“It would limit his options. He will be compelled to take accountability for his actions and defend himself,” Remulla told reporters. “In our country, flight is an indication of guilt. So he should return home and face the charges.”

Remulla said if the court grants the cancellation of Roque’s passports, he would become an undocumented alien and be subjected to deportation proceedings.

Roque’s deportation, however, would depend on the outcome of his asylum application.

But Remulla said he doubts the Netherlands would grant Roque refuge since it is “one of the countries that goes against human trafficking.”

Remulla said he received information that Roque has three passports.

The DOJ has asked the court to issue a hold-departure order for Roque’s co-accused, Lucky South 99 representative Cassandra Li Ong.

Roque has claimed that he is a victim of political persecution by the Marcos administration due to his ties with the Dutertes. — Mark Ernest Villeza