The Philippine National Police (PNP) is on standby as the government has submitted a request for an Interpol Red Notice against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
PNP teams have been mandated to maintain continuous communication with Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Manila, with acting PNP chief Let. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr noting that “We will be the primary enforcement arm if the notice is approved”.
Roque is facing charges of inciting to sedition and human trafficking, among others.
Many of these stem from his alleged relationship with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99.
Just last week, “POGO mayor” Alice Guo was handed a life sentence for human trafficking linked to the Lucky South 99 compound in Bamban, north of Manila. The compound held hundreds of workers who were forced to carry out scams under the threat of torture.
While Guo was caught after fleeing the country, Roque left the country last year and has reportedly been seen in Germany.
Roque claims political persecution by Philippine authorities, however investigators say that the former official was head of lucky South 99’s legal department – representing the firm in its failed reapplication for a Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) license.
Criminal cases were filed against Roque and 48 others in April of this year.
