Harry Roque refutes rumors of arrest, insists he is traveling to Vienna

• Harry Roque says reports of his supposed arrest in the Netherlands are false
• A Pasig court canceled his passport after declaring him a fugitive in a qualified tr@fficking case
• Justice officials warn that traveling without valid documents could lead to detention abroad
• The DOJ says it has yet to receive any verified information about his alleged arrest or movements

Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque pushed back against claims circulating online that he had been arrested by authorities in the Netherlands after his passport was canceled by a Pasig court.

In a Facebook post on Monday, he insisted that the reports were fabricated.

“There is no truth to the rumors that I have been arrested. I have a scheduled flight to Vienna, Austria today, November 25,” Roque wrote.

The clarification came hours after the Pasig Regional Trial Court ordered the cancellation of Roque’s passport along with those of his co-accused in a qualified human tr@fficking case involving a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO).

Read also

Atty. Harry Roque and Cassandra Ong's passports cancelled by Pasig court

The court described Roque as a fugitive, saying that his continued stay abroad signified an intent to evade legal proceedings.

According to the ruling, determining fugitive status hinges not on the presence of an active case at departure, but on whether a person knowingly avoids prosecution.

“What is material is the intent to evade prosecution or punishment when there is knowledge by the fleeing subject of an already instituted charge against him,” the court stated.

It further declared, “Thus, the accused Roque is deemed to have fled when he knowingly chose to remain in another country despite the charge against him.”

Justice spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez echoed the court’s warning. He explained that without a valid passport, Roque could face detention abroad.

“He should not be able to travel without a valid passport. Immigration authorities at any country can detain him for traveling without proper travel documentation. This fact is certain,” he said.

Read also

Four Bacoor cops accused of assaulting 18-year-old express intent to surrender

For now, officials from the Department of Justice say they have not received any verified communication regarding Roque’s alleged arrest or international travel.

“All claims with respect to this remain unverified,” Martinez added.

Atty. Harry Roque is a former Malacañang spokesperson and one of the well-known figures in law and politics.

He has been involved in many public issues and is known for his strong support for former President Rodrigo Duterte. In recent years, he has often been in the news because of his bold statements and his involvement in different controversies.

In a previous report by KAMI, a court in Pasig released a decision ordering the cancellation of Harry Roque’s passport. Roque asked the public for prayers and said he would file a motion to reverse the ruling. After appearing in public again, he was often seen in The Hague to show support for former President Duterte. He continues to say that he will stand firmly by the former president despite many ongoing issues.

Recently, talk spread about supposed tension between Roque and a supporter of former President Duterte over food. In a report by KAMI, the supporter said the misunderstanding was not true and shared his side of the story.

Read also

PBBM dares Zaldy Co to return to PH and prove his accusations in person

Source: KAMI.com.gh