Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was reportedly prevented from continuing his trip to the United States after making a stop in Japan, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The update was revealed during a Senate justice and human rights subcommittee hearing on Tuesday when Senator Risa Hontiveros asked about Roque’s whereabouts. BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan said Roque was denied check-in for his US-bound flight while in Japan.
“He was supposed to go to the US, but his flight was denied,” Manahan told the panel. “We have no further information after that.”
The BI also confirmed sightings of Roque traveling with his wife from Singapore to Dubai in December. There were also reports that he flew from Dubai to Shanghai on December 8, stayed for a day, and then proceeded to Macau. However, authorities said these movements have not been officially verified.
Hontiveros questioned how Roque continues to evade authorities while remaining active on social media. “Where is Harry Roque? And who could be helping him?” she asked.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) also reported that Roque flew from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi on September 2, 2024, but his movements after that remain unclear.
Roque has been missing from the public eye since being linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, particularly his alleged connection to Lucky South 99, which was raided in Pampanga.
He is also facing a contempt order from the House Quad Committee after refusing to submit documents related to his wealth. Roque, for his part, has accused lawmakers of abusing their power.
