Did key figures from a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) play a role in facilitating Harry Roque’s escape from the Philippines?
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised the possibility that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s escape from the Philippines may have been facilitated by individuals connected to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
Roque, who was recently spotted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), is facing serious legal trouble in the Philippines, including charges tied to human trafficking and alleged financial misconduct. Hontiveros' remarks on December 4, 2024, pointed to Dubai, a known hub for POGOs, as a potential location where key players could have assisted Roque in fleeing the country.
“Dubai [in UAE] is a POGO hub, so it’s possible that POGO actors helped him escape,” Hontiveros was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report.
“The BI still has a lot of explaining to do. Kahit ang pagtakas ni Guo Hua Ping papuntang Indonesia, wala pa rin silang sagot kung paano nangyari (Even on Guo Hua Ping's escape to Indonesia, they still have no answer as to how it happened),” said Hontiveros, referring to Alice Guo who is believed to be the Chinese national Guo Hua Ping.
The Senator also called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability in Roque’s unexpected departure.
Roque, who served as the spokesperson for former President Rodrigo Duterte, is at the center of multiple legal controversies. Most recently, he has been implicated in a high-profile human trafficking case involving the Lucky South 99 Corporation, a POGO hub. The case has attracted significant attention due to the nature of the alleged activities, including illegal online gambling and exploitation. Roque’s involvement in the trafficking case has led to an arrest order from the House of Representatives, which cited him for contempt after he failed to submit necessary documents to explain his wealth’s sudden increase during his tenure in public office.
Bureau of Immigration Questions the Legality of Roque's Departure
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has confirmed that Roque did not depart through legal channels. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that their records do not show any formal departure attempts made by Roque in recent weeks.
“He most probably falsified immigration clearances to be accepted by his destination country,” Viado said, adding that the Bureau’s legal team is already considering filing additional complaints against Roque for his alleged illegal travel.
Roque’s abrupt exit has raised eyebrows, particularly given his legal situation. The BI has been under scrutiny for its handling of several high-profile escapes. The Senate has already called for a thorough review of the BI's processes, questioning how individuals involved in criminal activities are able to slip past immigration checks.
The Senator voiced her frustration over the apparent ease with which fugitives slip through immigration controls, while ordinary Filipinos face unnecessary hurdles.
"Kapag mga ordinaryong Pilipino na lumalabas ng bansa, pahirapahan sa Immigration, pero kapag mga pugante, tila ang dali makalusot (When ordinary Filipinos leave the country, Immigration makes it hard for them. But for fugitives, they seem to get through easily)," Hontiveros remarked.
With the official ban on POGOs in the country, she emphasized that individuals linked to the industry should no longer hold any sway within government agencies, especially the Bureau of Immigration.
Hontiveros has been outspoken about the need for stronger international cooperation to combat human trafficking, which she says is being fueled in part by the unchecked growth of POGOs in the region.
As authorities continue to probe Roque’s escape, many are watching closely to see how the investigation unfolds and whether it will lead to wider reforms in the POGO industry and the country’s immigration policies.
Read related article: Falsification Rap Eyed For Harry Roque After Possible Illegal Exit
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