DOJ to request cancellation of Roque’s passport

Atty. Harry Roque, September 7, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday he would request for the cancellation of the passport of lawyer Harry Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands.

An Angeles City Regional Trial Court has ordered the arrest of Roque for a human trafficking case in connection with the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“Hindi ko pa napipirmahan, we will do that,” Remulla said of the request to cancel Roque’s passport.

Remulla said the cancellation of Roque’s passport would turn him into an undocumented alien, but he might not be immediately deported because of his asylum application.

“He will be an undocumented alien, pag wala siyang asylum at na-cancel ang passport niya he will be deported,” Remulla said.

DOJ says Roque's arrest warrant cannot be served due to his asylum bid

He also expressed hope that the government of the Netherlands would consider the gravity of the case filed against Roque.

“I’m sure the asylum application will have to be finished before it is acted upon in the Netherlands, but we know that the Netherlands will not tolerate the commission of crimes that are being charged in this case, they will not tolerate it,” Remulla said.

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