Roque applies for Dutch asylum amid arrest warrant

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has applied for asylum in the Netherlands due to an arrest warrant issued against him by the House Quad Committee.

Roque stated during a Facebook live on Thursday night that he is now an asylum seeker and cannot be arrested or forced back to the Philippines, despite opposition from Philippine-born Dutch citizen Joel Vega who wrote a formal letter opposing Roque's application.

Vega cited substantial evidence against Roque's claim of political persecution and noted that Roque remains close to Vice President Sara Duterte.

Roque was seen with Vice President Sara Duterte at the International Criminal Court headquarters in The Hague on March 14, prompting an online petition titled 'Block Harry Roque's Asylum Move to The Netherlands' which has collected over 2,500 signatures as of posting time on Saturday.

The petition argues that Roque is misusing the Dutch asylum system to evade justice and questions his sudden wealth and involvement in banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Roque maintains that he provided legal counsel to Whirlwind Corporation but denies any illegal activities linked to POGOs, despite being cited in contempt by the House Quad Committee for failing to cooperate in their investigation.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has called on Roque to return home and face pending investigations into his alleged links with POGOs.