MANILA, Philippines– The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday said it will pursue all legal avenues to bring back former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to the Philippines to face qualified human trafficking charges.
The announcement follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 118 against Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others for alleged involvement in illegal activities linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga. The charges are non-bailable.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed that Roque is currently outside the country. The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering seeking assistance from Interpol to locate and arrest him.
According to the DOJ, efforts are underway through diplomatic and international legal channels to enforce the arrest warrant. Authorities stressed that the case is a matter of prosecution and not persecution.
The DOJ and PNP said they are continuing to coordinate with foreign counterparts to facilitate Roque’s return. No details were provided on his current location.
