People Harboring Harry Roque Could Face Obstruction of Justice Charges Warns PNP

October 18, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

The PNP warns that aiding Harry Roque could lead to obstruction of justice charges as their manhunt intensifies in Mindanao.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will now concentrate its search for Harry Roque in Mindanao. The PNP announced this on October 17, 2024 after getting reports that Roque is hiding in the southern Philippines. The PNP had previously conducted manhunt operations in Central Luzon and Calabarzon but was unable to locate the former presidential spokesperson.

According to P/Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, the spokesperson for the PNP, Roque was monitored in Mindanao during the first week of September. “That was September, first week of September, he was monitored somewhere in Mindanao…Even the Bureau of Immigration said na nandito lamang po siya sa Pilipinas,” Fajardo was quoted as saying in a GMA Network report. (He was monitored somewhere in Mindanao during the first week of September…Even the Bureau of Immigration said that he remains in the country.)

Fajardo clarified that the manhunt is not limited to Davao City but will extend throughout the Mindanao region. “The manhunt is not only limited sa Davao City, lahat po ng areas ‘yan. Like I said we went, we searched sa Region 3, Calabarzon. Right now we’re focusing sa Mindanao po.” (The manhunt is not only limited to Davao City; it covers all areas. As I said, we searched in Region 3 and Calabarzon. Right now, we’re focusing on Mindanao.)

Roque is currently under contempt and detention orders issued by the House of Representatives Quad Committee. These orders stem from his alleged connections to the illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) in the country. The committee has raised concerns about his role in facilitating operations that have drawn scrutiny from law enforcement and regulatory bodies.

The PNP speculated that Roque may be in Mindanao due to his connections in the Southern Philippines. “Si Atty. Harry Roque, I’m pretty sure mayroon siyang mga kaibigan, mga kakilala na possibly na mas komportable siyang humingi ng tulong,” Fajardo noted. (I’m pretty sure Attorney Harry Roque has friends and acquaintances who he might feel more comfortable asking for help.)

The PNP has also issued a warning to those who may be harboring or aiding Roque. Fajardo stated that individuals found to be concealing him could face legal consequences. “We want to remind for those people na nagkakanlong po kay Atty. Roque na posible pong maharap kayo sa kaso for obstruction of justice for intentionally harboring a person being searched or being hunted by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies po,” she said. (We want to remind those who are harboring Attorney Roque that you could face charges for obstruction of justice for intentionally harboring a person being searched for by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.)

Despite his legal challenges, Harry Roque has remained active on social media. He continues to release statements and videos, maintaining a public presence even while evading authorities.

In fact, on October 17, Harry uploaded a Facebook video titled “The Spox Hour Episode 329 October 17, 2024 Magpakatotoo ang mga tongressmen at kagutuman sa kabila ng ayuda — bakit?”