Philippines Looks to Interpol in Pursuit of Harry Roque

The Philippine government is weighing several options to arrest former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, including seeking help from Interpol, as he faces serious charges of human trafficking linked to a scam operation in Pampanga.

Justice department officials say they are preparing documents to request a red notice from Interpol — a global alert that could lead to Roque’s arrest abroad. But the process is far from simple. Roque is now in the Netherlands and has applied for asylum, claiming he’s being politically persecuted. Under international law, asylum seekers cannot be sent back to countries where they may face danger or persecution — a principle known as non-refoulement.

Roque argues he is targeted for political views, but government officials say this claim doesn’t hold up. “He seems to be the only one who believes that,” said one Palace spokesperson. Critics also point out that many government critics remain free, making political persecution an unlikely defense.

Roque is accused of helping a company tied to an illegal offshore gaming operation that allegedly forced foreign workers to run online scams. Prosecutors claim he knew about the trafficking activities but chose to look the other way.

In the Netherlands, the asylum process can be long and complex. It’s unclear how far along Roque is in the process, but the Philippine government faces major hurdles without a formal extradition treaty between the two countries. Officials also consider legal workarounds, but admit that the path is complicated.

This case is not unique. In a recent example, the Philippines struggled to bring home former lawmaker Arnie Teves from East Timor, even after issuing an Interpol red notice. The same outcome could happen with Roque if the Netherlands refuses to cooperate.

Despite his situation, Roque has remained active online, accusing the Justice Department of being disorganized and unfair. He claims his work as a lawyer is being used against him and warns that it could discourage others from joining the legal profession.

The justice department says it’s simply doing its job: “Let him come back and defend himself in court,” one official said. “He is innocent until proven guilty.”

Roque’s case now lies at the intersection of local law, international politics, and the limits of global cooperation.