Warrant of Arrest and International Procedures
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that the warrant of arrest issued against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque can be served through Interpol and other diplomatic channels. Roque is currently in the Netherlands, which makes this process necessary.
“As for Harry Roque, since he is abroad, the process will be to go through diplomatic channels,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a message to reporters on Friday. When asked if Interpol could be used to arrest Roque, Clavano replied, “That is one of the diplomatic channels that are available.”
Details on the Warrant of Arrest
The arrest warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles, Pampanga. It names Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others as respondents in a qualified human trafficking case linked to the alleged scam hub Lucky South 99. The warrant is non-bailable.
Clavano emphasized that the warrant targets multiple accused individuals, not just Roque. “We want to clarify that this is a matter of prosecution for a crime in the Philippines. He is one of many accused in the case. He is not being singled out. We should look at this as a venue wherein he can clear his name if indeed he does believe in his innocence,” he explained.
Roque’s Response and Asylum Plans
Roque has denied the allegations and claimed that he is being persecuted due to his alliance with former President Rodrigo Duterte. He plans to include this situation in his asylum application in the Netherlands.
“I will seek all available legal remedies to secure my life and liberty which are currently under threat,” Roque said on Thursday. He added, “I reiterate: This is not flight as evidence of guilt but the exercise of a human right to asylum.”
Hold Departure Order Against Other Accused
DOJ also stated there is a possibility of issuing a hold departure order (HDO) against Cassandra Ong. “Yes, the prosecution may apply for a hold departure order given that a warrant is already issued for their arrest. This is to ensure that the accused do not leave the country and face the charges of Qualified Human Trafficking,” Clavano said.
Tracking and Arrest Efforts by CIDG
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police has deployed tracker teams nationwide to serve the arrest warrants against the 51 accused individuals.
“As of early morning today, the Tracker Teams are tracking and pursuing the 51 accused-subjects of the arrest warrant, across the country,” the CIDG announced. Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, CIDG chief, highlighted that one of their key duties is to locate and apprehend wanted persons.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless in its campaign against wanted persons and fugitives, and steadfast in implementing all laws and arrest its violators. The CIDG is dauntless, the CIDG means business,” Torre stated.
For more updates on warrant of arrest, visit Filipinokami.com.