DOJ seeks passport cancellation, Interpol red notice for Roque

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Thursday that they will request the cancellation of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's passport following the issuance of arrest warrants against him.

Roque is among 49 individuals charged with qualified human trafficking related to the Lucky South 99 POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga.

Currently seeking asylum in The Netherlands and having left the Philippines in September after refusing to attend hearings on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Roque claims he is a victim of political persecution as an ally of the Duterte family; however, Malacañang has rejected this claim.

Remulla stated that resolving Roque's asylum application and canceling his passport are necessary before enforcing arrest warrants against him.

The Justice Secretary believes that The Netherlands will not tolerate the crimes Roque is accused of, suggesting he may be deported if denied asylum. Remulla also confirmed they will seek an Interpol red notice for Roque to facilitate a provisional arrest pending extradition or similar legal action.

The Department of Justice has filed qualified human trafficking and regular human trafficking cases against Roque for his alleged participation not just as a lawyer for Whirlwind, the company that leased its Porac compound to Lucky South 99, but also in organizing the POGO firm.