Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified his earlier remarks regarding the possible arrest of former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, saying he would not personally conduct any arrest and that authorities would follow proper legal procedures.

Remulla stressed that coordination with law enforcement agencies would be necessary, noting that Roque currently has no Interpol red notice despite the cancellation of his passport.

“When I say personally arrest, hindi ko [sinasabi] na ako ang aaresto. Wala namang akong authority diyan,” he said.

The clarification came after Roque, who is currently in Austria, challenged Remulla and said Philippine authorities have no jurisdiction to arrest him there. Roque also said he was “waiting” for Remulla in Austria.

“Kapag sila’y nagtangka na arestuhin ako, sa pamamagitan ng mandamiento de arresto… gamitin man ang Pilipinong pulis, o si Jonvic Remulla mismo, ‘yan po ay labag sa batas ng Austria, ‘yan po ay kidnapping,“ Roque said in his video statement on April 11.

“Ang aking libreng legal advice kay Sec. Remulla. Kung ayaw mong ikaw ang ipahuli ko, huwag mo akong arestuhin dito sa Austria. Gayunpaman, hinihintay kita dito sa Austria. Magkita tayo,” he added.

Remulla had earlier said he would act on the matter once an Interpol red notice is issued in connection with human trafficking charges filed against Roque in a Pampanga court.

Despite the tension, Remulla said the process will remain strictly within legal bounds and coordinated with the proper agencies.

“We will coordinate with the necessary authorities para gawin ‘yun,” he said.

“Uulitin ko si Harry at ako we have a very close relationship pero hindi para ako isaklaw naman ng kapangyarihan ko ang aking responsibilidad ng secretary dahil sa aming pagkakaibigan,” he added.

“Procedures will be done and all proper methods will be done if the arrest warranted already,” he said.

Roque, a lawyer by profession, maintains that any attempt by Philippine authorities to arrest him in Austria would violate international law and Austrian sovereignty.

He has denied the allegations against him, calling the charges a “travesty of justice” and claiming political persecution. He has also sought asylum in the Netherlands.

The case is linked to alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities in Porac, Pampanga.