Ex-spox calls claim ‘fake news’

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s application for asylum in the Netherlands has been denied, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed on Wednesday. Remulla added that Roque is now in Germany and could face extradition or arrest by Interpol once his passport is canceled.

However, Roque quickly countered Remulla’s statements, branding them as “fake news” and asserting that he is currently back in the Netherlands.

“As far as I know, he was not granted asylum by the Netherlands. So he is in Germany,” Remulla stated in Filipino during an interview with reporters. The Justice Secretary suggested that an extradition might follow, but noted it might not even be necessary as Roque’s passport is “about to be canceled.” Once his passport is revoked, Remulla explained, Roque would become an “undocumented alien” and thus subject to arrest by Interpol. Remulla confirmed he was told Roque is in Germany, explaining that the European Union’s open borders allow movement with a visa, but a fugitive losing documentation can be pursued by Interpol.

Roque, who is wanted in the Philippines for qualified human trafficking, did not directly deny the asylum application’s denial. However, he strongly refuted Remulla’s other claims. “I am not surprised that the Marcos Jr. administration, through the Department of Justice, has become the purveyor of fake news,” Roque said in a statement. He clarified that his trip to Germany was a “pre-planned activity” where he administered an oath-taking ceremony for a Filipino community group. “I am now back at The Hague in the Netherlands,” he asserted, daring the administration to check his public social media for his location.

Roque and several others face an arrest warrant from a Pampanga court for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. This non-bailable offense stems from his alleged involvement with Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) and alleged scam hub in Porac, Pampanga. The Department of Justice (DOJ) previously noted Roque’s involvement extended beyond merely being a lawyer for Whirlwind Corporation, the company that leased land to Lucky South 99, alleging he also served as a representative for the Pogo.

Remulla did not provide a definite timeline for Roque’s passport cancellation. He hinted at a strategy similar to the one used for former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., another fugitive whose passport was canceled, leading to his arrest through Interpol and eventual deportation from Timor-Leste. Teves had also sought refuge abroad. Sources