Authorities have given conflicting information on the location of Harry Roque who is facing an arrest order amid scrutiny over alleged POGO ties.
Authorities, particularly in Immigration and Intelligence, have given conflicting information on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s whereabouts, amid scrutiny over his alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator ties and speculation about his location.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) earlier said Roque is still in the Philippines, citing a lack of record about an attempt to leave the country.
“Based on BI records, Roque is still in the country. There is no recorded recent attempt to depart the Philippines,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a statement on November 25, 2024.
Roque is being linked to Lucky South 99, a company under government investigation for its ties to the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) sector.
Roque reportedly provided legal counsel to the firm, raising concerns about potential regulatory influence. Lawmakers have questioned Lucky South 99’s compliance with regulations and its alleged involvement in illicit activities.
Roque and his wife, Mylah, were summoned to provide documentation on their financial dealings and ties to the company but failed to comply, prompting arrest orders and intensifying scrutiny of their roles in the ongoing POGO investigation.
Vice President Sara Duterte, during her November 23 online press conference, insinuated that Roque might have already left the country.
Roque has been under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) since August, barring him from leaving the Philippines without prior clearance.
The ex-spokesperson of former President Rodrigo Duterte is facing an arrest order from the House of Representatives after being held in contempt. Roque was cited in contempt for failing to provide documents that would explain the sudden rise in his wealth. The order for his detention comes after Roque’s failure to comply with requests to submit financial records that could clarify the source of his unexpected financial gains.
But the National Bureau of Investigation affirmed the possibility raised by Duterte’s viral video, contradicting Immigration’s statements.
"We have the same information, but it has yet to be confirmed," said NBI Director Jaime Santiago during an interview on DZBB, while declining to provide additional details, citing the ongoing investigation by the NBI.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo stated that they would verify with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other sources whether Roque has indeed left the country, exploring possible backdoor routes that he might have taken.
"Pero kung nag-backdoor po siya, we will try to confirm po 'yan sa other sources kung totoong nakalabas po siya. But it is a possibility po na nakalabas po siya considering na alam naman po niya na hanggang ngayon ay hinahanap pa rin po siya ng Sergeant-at-Arms ng Kongreso po," Fajardo said, as quoted by GMA News.
(But if he left through a backdoor, we will try to confirm that through other sources to verify if he really left. However, it is a possibility that he managed to leave, considering he is aware that the Sergeant-at-Arms of Congress is still looking for him)
The House of Representatives issued arrest orders for Roque and his wife, Mylah, after they failed to attend recent quad committee hearings investigating alleged POGO links. The couple also did not provide requested documentation, including details of their assets.
“Their refusal to cooperate raises serious questions about their involvement in the matter,” noted one legislator during the hearings, as reported by Asia Gaming Brief.
Despite the ILBO against her, Mylah Roque reportedly traveled to Singapore on September 3 for medical treatment. A separate ILBO was issued against her on September 16.
Read related article: Has Harry Roque Left The Philippines Amid POGO Probe?
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