FORMER Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque is now believed to be seeking asylum in Germany after the Netherlands rejected his bid, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday.
“As far as I know, he was denied asylum by the Netherlands. Now it’s Germany’s decision whether to grant it,” according to Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla.
Roque is currently facing charges of qualified human trafficking linked to a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Remulla said the government is monitoring Roque’s situation and may consider filing for extradition, but this may be unnecessary if Roque’s passport is cancelled.
“If he becomes an undocumented alien, Interpol can intervene,” Remulla explained.
However, he emphasized that the courts must first decide on the formal cancellation of Roque’s passport.
Until then, Roque may still travel within Europe under the European Union’s open border policy if he holds a valid visa.
“But if he is a fugitive from justice and loses his documentation, Interpol can track him down,” Remulla added.
Roque’s current legal troubles stem from his alleged connection to the operations of a controversial POGO hub, raising serious concerns about human trafficking violations.