Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is moving to cancel the passport of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for qualified human trafficking involving an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator firm in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in The Netherlands, has denied the allegations, claiming he is a victim of political persecution due to his ties with the Duterte family — an assertion swiftly rejected by Malacañang.
Remulla said the Department is initiating the cancellation of Roque’s passport, which would strip him of legal travel documents and potentially lead to his deportation.
"If his asylum is not approved and his passport is cancelled, he will have to be deported,” Remulla said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The justice chief expressed confidence that international authorities would not tolerate the crimes Roque is being accused of, particularly with Philippine legal institutions already extending due process.
“I believe that they will not tolerate the commission of crimes that are being charged here. And they see that the justice system is working in this sense — that we have given due process to him to answer,” Remulla said.
Roque, however, posted a Facebook video questioning the legal grounding.
“Truly lacking in intelligence,” Roque said in Filipino.
“Doesn't read the passport law. A passport cannot be canceled without a court order.”
The DOJ, undeterred, said it is also preparing to request an Interpol red notice against Roque — a move that would alert law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest him pending extradition.
The case stems from an expansive anti-trafficking operation that uncovered alleged labor exploitation and illegal detention inside the Lucky South 99 compound.
If convicted, Roque and his co-accused could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.