The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is considering filing charges against former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque over allegations that he may have exited the country through unlawful means.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado disclosed that a review of their records showed no recent attempts by Roque to depart the country through official channels. The last recorded trip was in July when he returned from Los Angeles.
“Flight is an evidence of guilt. He likely left the country via illegal means, possibly aided by unscrupulous individuals,” Viado stated.
It can be noted that Roque has submitted his counter-affidavit in connection with the qualified human trafficking case filed against him in Abu Dhabi.
Viado alleged that Roque may have potentially forged immigration documents to secure entry into his destination country.
Consequently, the BI is weighing the possibility of pursuing charges for falsification of public documents and other related offenses against Roque.
According to the BI Commissioner, it is nearly impossible for Roque to have departed via official channels. His inclusion in the BI’s Lookout Bulletin and his status as a well-known public figure would have made him easily identifiable.
Furthermore, major international ports are equipped with extensive CCTV surveillance at entry and exit points, reducing the likelihood that Roque used these routes.
The BI will coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to gather additional details regarding Roque’s alleged travel.
