The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Tuesday that it is coordinating with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice against former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque. Roque is facing an arrest warrant over his alleged involvement in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities in Pampanga.
According to DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, the red notice, which seeks to alert global law enforcement to apprehend a fugitive, is expected to be released within the week. Roque is currently believed to be outside the country and is reportedly seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
DOJ Spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano IV stated that seeking Interpol’s assistance is one of several diplomatic options being pursued to enforce the arrest order issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court. “Since Roque is abroad, the process will go through diplomatic channels. This is a prosecution matter for a crime committed in the Philippines,” Clavano explained.
The arrest warrant was issued on May 8 by Angeles City RTC Branch 118 Judge Rene Reyes after finding probable cause to try Roque and ten others, including Filipino-Chinese businesswoman Cassandra Ong, for qualified human trafficking under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (RA 9208).
Clavano emphasized that Roque is not being targeted unfairly, asserting that all accused individuals will be pursued with equal diligence. “We’re treating all the suspects the same. This is a serious crime, and due process must be observed,” he said.
He also clarified that Roque will be allowed to defend himself in court, despite his asylum plea. “He is free to clear his name and prove his innocence through proper legal channels,” Clavano noted.
Meanwhile, Ong and the other accused believed to still be in the Philippines are now the subject of hold departure order (HDO) requests to prevent them from leaving the country while facing prosecution.
The DOJ’s proactive engagement with Interpol signals a firm stance against human trafficking and illegal POGO operations, reflecting the administration’s broader efforts to crack down on transnational crimes.