Harry Roque’s Wife Left PH in Early September Says Bureau of Immigration

October 16, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Mylah Roque, the wife of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, has departed the Philippines, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). This follows a tumultuous series of events involving her alleged connections to illegal gaming operations.

Mylah Roque’s departure from the country was confirmed by BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval during the October 15, 2024 briefing. “Ms. Mylah Roque has been out of the country since September 3. A lookout bulletin was issued for her on September 16,” Sandoval was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer. The issuance of this bulletin came after Mylah was held in contempt by the House of Representatives Quad Committee. The committee ordered her arrest after she failed to respond to a subpoena related to ongoing investigations.

The immigration lookout bulletin (ILBO) serves a different purpose than a hold departure order (HDO). An ILBO allows immigration officials to monitor an individual’s movements but does not prevent them from leaving the country. To travel abroad while subject to an ILBO, a person must obtain an Allow Departure Order (ADO) from the chief of the Department of Justice. In contrast, an HDO, which can only be issued by a court, would outright prohibit an individual from exiting the country.

Mylah Roque was summoned by the Quad Committee after allegations surfaced regarding her involvement in signing a lease agreement with Chinese nationals associated with illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations in Bamban, Tarlac. Abang Lingkod Representative Joseph Paduano, who chairs the House Public Accounts Committee, expressed frustration over Mylah’s failure to respond to the committee’s inquiries. He indicated that she had ample opportunity to address the claims linking her and the family-owned Biancham Holdings to a separate POGO complex that had been raided by authorities in Pampanga.

As for Harry Roque, Sandoval noted that he has not recently departed the Philippines. He is also under an immigration lookout bulletin issued on August 6.

Last September, House Quad Committee Lead Co-Chairperson Representative Robert Ace Barbers stated that there was “overwhelming” evidence showing that Harry Roque increased his wealth due to his alleged connections with illegal POGOs. “We think he benefited from Lucky South 99; that’s why his net worth increased,” said Barbers. Lucky South 99 was the Porac POGO hub involved in torture, human trafficking and illegal scamming activities.

While Mylah has left the country, Harry has remained behind, making statements through social media. He has characterized the actions taken against him and his wife as politically motivated persecution.

In a bid for protection, Harry Roque sought legal recourse through a writ of amparo filed by their daughter. However, this request was denied, as such writs are typically granted only in cases involving extrajudicial killings or serious threats.