Warrant of Arrest and Diplomatic Channels
The warrant of arrest issued against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for qualified human trafficking could be processed through Interpol and other official diplomatic routes, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed. Since Roque is currently overseas, the DOJ clarified that the legal process will follow diplomatic channels to serve the warrant.
“As for Harry Roque, since he is abroad, the process will be to go through diplomatic channels,” a DOJ spokesperson explained. When asked specifically about involving Interpol, the spokesperson added, “That is one of the diplomatic channels that are available.”
Moreover, the DOJ emphasized that the warrant is not exclusive to Roque but extends to other accused individuals in the same qualified human trafficking case. “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,” the spokesperson said.
Hold Departure Order and Co-Accused
There is also a possibility of issuing a hold departure order (HDO) against Cassandra Li Ong, who is co-accused alongside Roque in the qualified human trafficking case. This case stems from the controversial Lucky South 99, a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub located in Porac, Pampanga.
“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,” the DOJ spokesperson said when asked about the HDO against Ong.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
The Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 118 issued the warrant of arrest against Roque, Ong, and 48 other individuals related to the qualified human trafficking case involving Lucky South 99. Roque is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands and was recently seen in The Hague following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte last March.
The DOJ’s approach underscores that the legal process will continue through proper diplomatic and international channels to ensure justice is served while respecting international protocols.
For more updates on qualified human trafficking, visit Filipinokami.com.