MANILA, Philippines – Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, November 25, denied circulating reports claiming he was apprehended or arrested in the Netherlands.
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| Photo courtesy: Harry Roque/Facebook |
In a Facebook post released the same day, Roque stressed that the rumors were baseless.
“There is no truth to the rumors that I have been arrested,” Roque wrote in his Facebook post.
He also clarified that he was scheduled to fly to Vienna, Austria on Tuesday.
“I have a scheduled flight to Vienna, Austria today, November 25.”
“Details to follow.”
Roque has yet to provide further information regarding the purpose of his trip or the source of the rumors alleging his supposed arrest.
It may be recalled that an arrest warrant was recently issued against Roque in connection with an alleged case of qualified human trafficking linked to POGO operations.
Following this, the court also issued an order for the cancellation of his passport. Roque, however, explained that the cancellation is not yet final, noting that he has 15 days to file a motion for reconsideration.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also claims that they did not receive any official communication regarding the alleged arrest.
“Reports of Atty. Harry Roque being arrested in the Netherlands are circulating. By virtue of the Red Notice issued by the Philippine government, authorities in the Netherlands have cause to arrest him and turn him over to Philippine authorities.”
“However, I would like to emphasize that no official communication confirming an arrest has been transmitted to us. We will make the appropriate announcement once an official confirmation is received,” DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla emphasized.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express