Harry Roque, nag-isyu pahayag ukol napabalitang arrest warrant niya: “'Ako’y biktima ng pulitika”

- Harry Roque issues statement after news about the warrant of his arrest was reported by several major dailies and TV networks

- In his statement, the former presidential spokesperson claims he is a victim of political persecution

- He asserted that the charges are politically motivated due to his loyalty to former President Duterte and seeks asylum in the Netherlands

- It can be recalled the Angeles City RTC found probable cause to charge Roque and his co-accused with non-bailable violations of the Anti-Traff1cking in Persons Act of 2003, linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub

Harry Roque, in a statement he issued recently, asserted that the recent arrest warrant issued against him for qualified human traff1cking is a politically motivated act, stemming from his continued loyalty to former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The former presidential spokesperson released a statement following the order from a regional trial court (RTC) in Angeles City, Pampanga, which also named businesswoman Cassandra Ong and several others in connection with a human traffick1ng case linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

In his statement, Roque, who is currently abroad, declared, “The issuance of a warrant of arrest forms part of unjust prosecution, which I will include to my application for asylum in the Netherlands as a victim of political persecution owing to my loyalty to the Dutertes.”

He reiterated his stance that seeking asylum is not an admission of guilt but rather an exercise of his fundamental human right, undertaken to secure his life and liberty, which he believes are currently under threat.

Roque emphasized his intention to pursue all available legal remedies.

The arrest warrant, issued by Presiding Judge Rene Reyes of Angeles City RTC Branch 118 on May 8, 2025, found probable cause to charge Roque and his co-accused with non-bailable violations of the Anti-Traff1cking in Persons Act of 2003.

The charges are connected to the alleged operations of Lucky South 99, where the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reportedly uncovered evidence of severe human rights abuses, including torture, kidnapping, and traff1cking, leading to the rescue of over 150 foreign workers.

Roque’s Facebook post containing his statement has elicited a wide range of reactions from the public.

Comments on his post reflect the deep divisions in Philippine political opinion.

Some netizens have expressed solidarity with Roque, echoing his claims of political persecution and questioning the timing and basis of the charges.

These supporters often highlight his past service under the Duterte administration and suggest that the current legal actions are politically motivated.

Conversely, numerous other commenters have reacted with condemnation, citing the gravity of human traff1cking allegations and emphasizing the importance of due process for the victims.

These individuals often express skepticism towards Roque’s claims of political persecution, pointing to the serious nature of the accusations and the evidence reportedly gathered by authorities.

Some comments directly challenge Roque to return to the Philippines and face the charges in court, rather than seeking refuge abroad.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has previously stated its intention to contest Roque’s asylum application in the Netherlands.

Furthermore, the Philippine government is expected to request an Interpol red notice for Roque should the arrest warrant be served, signaling their commitment to pursuing the case against him.

The legal proceedings against Roque and the other accused individuals are expected to continue, with the Philippine government likely to take steps to secure their presence in court.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to Roque's former prominent position and the serious nature of the human traff1cking allegations.

The unfolding events will likely be closely monitored by both his supporters and critics, as well as human rights advocates both in the Philippines and internationally.

Harry Roque is a Filipino lawyer and politician. He was the presidential spokesperson during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Before entering politics, he used to be a professor in law school.

Recently, Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and others, were ordered arrested by a Pampanga court. Angeles City RTC Branch 118 recently issued an arrest warrant for the said personalities for a human traff1cking case. The charges against Roque and the others stem from their alleged involvement with Lucky South 99 in Porac. The court found probable cause for violations of the Anti-Traff1cking in Persons Act of 2003, a non-bailable offense.

The processing of former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque's asylum application in the Netherlands will take one and a half years. Roque will remain in the Netherlands and will not be deported while awaiting the outcome of his application. He decided to file for asylum after Congress issued an order for his arrest in connection with his alleged involvement with POGOs. He admitted that he sobbed while signing his asylum application after nearly half a year in hiding in the Philippines.

Source: KAMI.com.gh