MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has cancelled the passports of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Lucky 99 Representative Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, and three others involved in qualified trafficking in persons charges in relation to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga.
In a message sent to media on Tuesday, the DFA announced the cancellation of passports of Roque, Ong, Ronelyn Baterna, Mercides Macabasa and Dennis Lacson Cunanan.
"Following the Department of Foreign Affairs’ receipt of the Omnibus Resolution issued by Branch 157 RTC Pasig, the DFA has cancelled the passports of the following individuals," the DFA stated.
According to the DFA, the action is "consistent with the provisions of RA No 11983 and its IRR."
The DFA added that relevant law enforcement agencies have been notified regarding the cancellation of the passports.
"Following established procedures, law enforcement and border control authorities have been notified about these cancelled travel documents," the DFA said.
The announcement comes after Presiding Judge Ana Terese Cornejo Tomacruz's November 19 order cancelling the passports of Roque, Ong and other individuals linked to the controversial POGO issue.
“Wherefore, the Motion for Cancellation of Passport filed by the prosecution is hereby granted,” said the ruling by Pasig City RTC Branch 157 Presiding Judge Tomacruz.
The order was made public on Monday, November 24.
If a Philippine passport is cancelled, this can prevent an individual from travelling abroad and be subjected to "increased scrutiny" by immigration authorities.
Under specific grounds, the cancelled passport means it is invalid and can be confiscated if found in use at any point of entry or exit.
Individuals with cancelled passports are also vulnerable to deportation proceedings in the host country.
Meanwhile, Roque denied that he was arrested after speculation of this circulated online.
"There is no truth to the rumors that I have been arrested. I have a scheduled flight to Vienna, Austria today, November 25. Details to follow," Roque posted on Facebook.
Roque also posted a photo of his boarding pass for his flight to Vienna on Tuesday.
