ROQUE SEEKING REFUGE IN GERMANY AFTER NETHERLANDS DENIES ASYLUM REQUEST – REMULLA

FORMER presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is now believed to be seeking refuge in Germany after the Netherlands denied his request for an asylum, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said.

The latest update on Roque’s whereabouts came after he continues to refuse to return to the Philippines despite being the subject of an arrest warrant issued by a Pampanga court for qualified human trafficking.

“Ang alam ko hindi siya nabigyan ng asylum ng Netherlands. Kaya nasa Germany naman ang desisyon kung magbibigay nito,” said Remulla in an interview with reporters.

According to Remulla, Roque may then be extradited “when the time comes.”

He said the DOJ would wait for further developments before the Philippine government pursues an extradition case against Roque.

“Aantayin natin. Pwede naman ma-file-an ng extradition pagdating ng panahon. Pero baka hindi na kailangan kasi ika-cancel na ‘yung passport niya. ‘Pag naging undocumented alien ‘yan, pwede nang kunin ng Interpol,” said the Justice chief.

However, the DOJ chief clarified that it is up to the courts to decide the final cancellation of Roque’s passport.

Roque is facing an arrest warrant for violation of Section 4(1), in relation to Section 6 (c) of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. over his alleged involvement in a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.