Palace urges Roque to return after leaving Duterte's ICC legal team

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines, especially now that he will no longer be part of Rodrigo Duterte's legal team at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Castro noted during a press briefing that Roque's absence has prevented the enforcement of the QuadComm-issued arrest warrant since September 13, 2024.

Government records indicate that at least 6,200 drug suspects were killed in police operations from June 2016 to November 2021, though human rights groups claim the number could be much higher.

Roque is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, accusing the House Quad Committee of investigating Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) with political motivation, but the Palace maintains that Roque is not a victim of political persecution.

Castro challenged Roque to return to the country and defend himself before representing others, referencing Duterte supporters' call for the former president to come back to the Philippines.