In a move that’s generating major visibility across the public discourse, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque delivered a clarifying update on Tuesday, Nov. 25, regarding the swirl of speculation surrounding his supposed arrest in the Netherlands. During a YouTube livestream, Roque asserted that no such arrest took place and emphasized that his halted travel to Austria stemmed from health-related constraints, not legal complications.
According to Roque, he had been preparing to fly to Vienna to pursue an asylum request, aligning with what he described as compliance with the “Dublin rules,” a long-established protocol in Europe stating that the country issuing an individual’s visa bears responsibility for evaluating their asylum claim. In his specific case, Austria issued his visa—meaning his petition needed to be processed there.
However, Roque explained that a series of medical concerns disrupted his travel timeline. He revealed that he underwent major surgery on the 30th of the previous month and had a minor procedure just a day before his intended flight. Both of his attending physicians issued medical certificates declaring him unfit to fly. This assessment ultimately influenced his decision to decline boarding when asked by authorities.
Roque noted, though, that Dutch immigration authorities had their own medical officer who deemed him fit to fly, creating a conflicting evaluation. When pressed on whether he was willing to travel despite the discrepancy, Roque said he chose to prioritize his health. Once he indicated he did not want to fly, he was immediately offloaded—an action he stressed should not be misconstrued as an arrest or detainment.
The former spokesperson also addressed the separate but parallel controversy surrounding the Department of Foreign Affairs’ recent move to cancel his passport. Roque maintained that the cancellation is not final and confirmed his intent to file a motion for reconsideration. He reiterated that he continues to operate within legal parameters while pursuing his asylum claim.
This latest update positions Roque’s situation at the intersection of regulatory compliance, health-related contingencies, and ongoing diplomatic processes. As conversations evolve, his narrative underscores his intent to stay aligned with established protocols while navigating a complex personal and political landscape.