The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has asked Interpol to issue a red notice against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands amid mounting legal trouble.
In an Inquirer.net report on Monday, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed that the request has been made following the issuance of an arrest warrant against Roque on May 15. The warrant was released by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 for an alleged violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
Roque, who once served as the mouthpiece of former President Rodrigo Duterte, claims he is being politically persecuted, a reason he cited for applying for asylum abroad.
The case stems from the Department of Justice’s charges filed in April, linking Roque and 50 others—including Cassandra Ong—to the operations of Lucky South 99, an alleged scam hub located in Porac, Pampanga.
CIDG has also launched a manhunt for the other accused. One of Roque and Ong’s co-accused was apprehended in Pampanga on May 22, as authorities continue efforts to locate the rest.
