Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla walked back earlier statements claiming that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was denied asylum in Europe, clarifying Wednesday that the application remains pending.

Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame, Remulla stated that Roque has not been granted asylum by the Netherlands or any other European nation, citing that while standard processing takes roughly six months, Roque’s petition has remained unresolved for nine months.

“He is neither here nor there. It is neither approved nor disapproved,” Remulla said, adding that government officials are consulting international legal counsel regarding the status of a requested Interpol red notice to secure Roque’s arrest.

Remulla said the documentation for the Interpol red notice has been completed and submitted. He added that Roque faces human trafficking charges, dismissing claims of political persecution.

At Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the discrepancy during a press briefing, noting that Remulla acknowledged drawing his own conclusions regarding the petition.

“He admitted that he made a mistake and had no concrete evidence as to what happened to the petition for asylum,” Castro said, leaving further clarification to the interior chief.

Castro added that statements are evaluated for intent and bad faith when determining whether incorrect public announcements constitute deliberate misinformation.

Remulla also cited that extradition and law enforcement coordination regarding Roque and former Representative Zaldy Co were briefly delayed as authorities prioritized security responses following recent school shooting incidents in Cotabato.