The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed on Tuesday that it has received unverified information suggesting that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has left the Philippines.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago disclosed this development following a late-night press conference by Vice President Sara Duterte last Saturday. During her remarks, Duterte hinted that Roque, who is currently facing an arrest order issued by the House of Representatives, may have already departed the country.
“Look at Secretary Harry Roque, ayaw umalis no’n sa bansa kasi ‘yung mga anak niya maiiwanan. Pero look at him, umalis na lang,” Duterte remarked, implying that Roque previously expressed reluctance to leave due to family considerations but has allegedly left anyway.
(Look at Secretary Harry Roque, he doesn’t want to leave the country because his children will be left behind. But look at him, he just left.)
During a radio interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Santiago was asked to confirm whether Roque had indeed left the country. “’Yun ang information din namin pero hindi pa confirmed,” he responded.
(That’s also our information, but it’s not confirmed yet.)
He added, “May information po kaming ganyan pero hindi na namin dapat i-discuss sa publiko. Pasensya na po.”
(We have such information, but we should not discuss it publicly. Apologies.)
The NBI director refrained from elaborating further, emphasizing that the agency’s investigation is ongoing and that any discussion could potentially compromise their efforts.
Roque, who served as presidential spokesperson under former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been under scrutiny in recent weeks following an arrest order from the House of Representatives. The order reportedly stems from allegations of contempt related to unresolved legal matters, though details of the case remain confidential.
Vice President Duterte’s remarks have fueled speculation about Roque’s current whereabouts. Observers noted that her comments appeared to indicate frustration over the alleged departure, though no official statements have been released by Roque or his representatives.
The NBI has committed to verifying the information and ensuring transparency in their investigation. However, Santiago stressed that any official announcements would be made only after thorough confirmation of the facts.
As of this writing, Harry Roque’s location remains unknown.