Roque Faces Passport Probe Amid Trafficking Allegations, Arrest Warrant

PCI

Calling him a “fugitive,” Remulla criticized Roque’s continued defiance, including his online posts daring authorities to capture him, which he dismissed as mere “attention-seeking.” (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has revealed that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque possesses multiple Philippine passports—an irregularity now under investigation as Roque continues to evade arrest for alleged involvement in human trafficking.

In a media interview, Remulla said Roque holds at least two regular passports under the same name. “Same name… very similar, or maybe a difference in middle initial or second name… we don’t know yet,” he noted, hinting at possible inconsistencies. Typically, only government officials are issued diplomatic and regular passports—a distinction Roque no longer holds.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a motion to cancel Roque’s passports after he failed to return to the Philippines, despite an active arrest warrant tied to his alleged role in the Lucky South 99 scam in Porac, Pampanga. The case accuses Roque and several others of violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, a serious offense carrying heavy penalties under Philippine law.

Calling him a “fugitive,” Remulla criticized Roque’s continued defiance, including his online posts daring authorities to capture him, which he dismissed as mere “attention-seeking.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will be asked to explain how Roque obtained multiple passports, a breach that could signal lapses in protocol or potential misuse of privilege. As international travel remains a tool for legal evasion, this case also highlights broader concerns about accountability and passport control among former officials facing criminal charges.