PH mulls tapping Interpol in bid to bring Harry Roque home

National

CAN they bring Harry Roque home?

That question now carries international weight, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering tapping the Interpol to apprehend the former presidential spokesperson, who is currently seeking political asylum in the Netherlands.

Roque faces serious human trafficking charges stemming from his alleged involvement with the now-defunct Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), Lucky South 99.

"Coordination with the Interpol is being considered," PNP Public Information Office Chief Colonel Randulf Tuaño stated during a press briefing per a Philstar report.

The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is also collaborating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to locate Cassandra Ong, another individual named in the arrest warrant issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has also indicated it may pursue diplomatic channels to bring Roque and Ong back to the Philippines.

"Kung nasa ibang bansa po siya, we will have to go through diplomatic channels to be able to get her person back here to the Philippines to finally face her charges," said DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano.

He clarified that this could involve direct engagement with foreign governments or seeking assistance from Interpol.

Claiming that he is being politically persecuted, Roque said he intends to use the arrest warrant as evidence in his asylum application. He also asserts his right to non-refoulement.

However, Clavano countered, "Ang sa amin naman po, marami po kasing ibang akusado diyan. Hindi natin siya sine-single out." He emphasized that the charges are based on evidence and the warrant was issued by the court.

The charges stem from investigations into illegal POGO activities, which have been linked to human trafficking and other crimes.

Roque and Ong were previously involved in congressional hearings on the matter. They were cited for contempt by the House Quad Committee during their appearances as resource persons, after lawmakers accused them of providing false statements and evading questions.

Roque subsequently fled the Philippines after a second contempt and detention order was issued against him, eventually surfacing in the Netherlands in March.(MyTVCebu)