Malacanang dismissed former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s claims that he is a victim of “political persecution” after the local court issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a qualified human trafficking case.
In a press briefing on Friday, May 16, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro pointed out that Roque had yet to adequately explain the whereabouts of documents he had previously promised to submit.
“Iyan po naman talaga ang kaniyang magiging naratibo, kaniyang depensa pero hindi po niya sinasagot nang mabuti kung nasaan nga ba iyong mga dokumentong kaniyang ipinangako sa House of Representatives at that time na nagkaroon po hearing sa QuadCom,” Castro stated
She further stressed that Roque has yet to satisfactorily address not only the alleged hidden wealth issues raised in Congress but also the core allegations in the human trafficking case.
“Tandaan po natin, korte mismo ang nag-issue ng valid warrant of arrest patungkol po sa kaso ng qualified human trafficking,” she emphasized.
Castro also revealed that Roque has a pending case for an alleged land-grabbing case filed with the Ombudsman in 2023, which involves complaints from 77 farmers in Bataan who accuse Roque of illegal land acquisition.
Meanwhile, Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands, however, has claimed that he cannot be deported back to the Philippines, as he further insists that international law protects him from arrest or deportation.
“Kung wala po siyang mapapakitang harassment mula sa gobyerno at mapapatunayan na ang mga kasong ito ay legal na nasampa at may mga basehan para siya ay maisyuhan ng warrant of arrest, hindi po tayo maniniwala na hindi siya maaaring dalhin sa Pilipinas,” Castro explained, addressing Roque’s claims.
Malacanang underscored that asylum protection is not absolute and does not exempt individuals from facing valid legal charges, especially when an arrest warrant has been issued by a court of law.
“Kung mayroon naman pong valid warrant of arrest at may kaso siyang dapat kaharapin, hindi po siya dapat magtago sa kaniyang petition for asylum,” Castro reiterated.
She added, “Siya po ang dapat magpatunay na ang pagkuha sa kaniya gamit man ang Interpol o kooperasyon sa Interpol… ay because of mere harassment.”
On Thursday, May 15, the regional trial court (RTC) in Angeles, Pampanga issued arrest warrants against Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others in connection with a human trafficking case linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
According to the warrant, the accused were charged with violations of Republic Act 9208, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
These allegations stemmed from their involvement in illicit activities tied to the operations of the Lucky South 99 scam hub, a POGO facility located in Porac, Pampanga.
