Interpol Arrest of Harry Roque Hinges on Asylum Application
The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) may have to hold off on arresting former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque until the Netherlands makes a decision on his asylum application. This was confirmed by officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, May 20.
According to sources familiar with the matter, “Dito sa Philippines, if we are faced with that scenario, kailangan matapos muna ‘yung refugee application (In the Philippines, if we are faced with that scenario, we will have to wait for the termination of the refugee status application),” said a DOJ representative. The official explained that the asylum or refugee status application must be resolved first before any other legal steps can proceed.
Legal Implications of Pending Refugee Status
The statement came amid questions on how the DOJ plans to enforce arrest warrants issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court. These warrants are related to non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges against Roque and his co-accused. The case involves alleged illegal activities tied to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) based in Porac, Pampanga, which the government has since shut down.
Roque previously admitted to seeking asylum in the Netherlands, citing political persecution in the Philippines as his reason. “When we received information on the warrant of arrest, we just informed the concerned authorities that there is a pending asylum application,” the DOJ source said. “We have to wait for the final resolution of the asylum bid first before we can move forward with that warrant of arrest.”
Understanding the Asylum Process and Legal Obligations
Experts explain that if no formal request for arrest is made, the state has no obligation to notify foreign governments that one of its nationals is applying for asylum. “Ang concept nga ng refugee application is you are trying to evade or avoid persecution so ‘di mo dapat pinapaalam na you are undergoing an asylum application (The concept of refugee application is you are trying to evade or avoid persecution so you are not supposed to say you are undergoing an asylum application),” an informed official explained.
The asylum application is assessed based on the 1951 Convention criteria, which include persecution due to religion, race, gender, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Only when an applicant meets these grounds can asylum be granted, sources note.
Next Steps for Enforcement and Judicial Process
Until the Netherlands resolves Roque’s asylum status, local authorities cannot execute the arrest warrants. This procedural pause ensures compliance with international refugee laws and safeguards the rights of individuals seeking protection abroad. Officials emphasize that once the asylum application is denied or resolved, the judicial process concerning the arrest warrants can resume without legal conflict.
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