DOJ eyes Interpol for Roque's arrest on human trafficking

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering using Interpol and other official diplomatic channels to serve an arrest warrant for lawyer Harry Roque, who remains abroad.

A regional trial court in Angeles, Pampanga issued the arrest warrant against Roque and ten others for alleged human trafficking related to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub called Lucky South 99.

The DOJ filed qualified human trafficking cases against Roque for his involvement with Whirlwind Corporation that leased land to Lucky South 99 and as a supposed representative of POGOs.

Roque left the Philippines in September after being cited for contempt for refusing to attend House hearings on offshore gambling sites used for criminal activities, and has since sought asylum in the Netherlands.

Malacañang rejected Roque's claim that he is a victim of political persecution by the Marcos government and maintained that the arrest warrant issued by the court against him is valid.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano stated that jurisdiction must be obtained over Roque before he can face charges in court, emphasizing the need to bring him back through diplomatic channels if necessary.