Senator Risa Hontiveros confronted the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday regarding the whereabouts of Atty. Harry Roque, questioning why the former presidential spokesperson remains elusive despite facing human trafficking charges.
During a subcommittee on Justice hearing led by Hontiveros, the BI revealed that Roque attempted to travel to the United States but was stopped in Japan.
"Mayroon po kaming alam na pumunta rin po siya ng Japan. And hindi po siya nakaalis. Supposed to be bound for US pero denied flight, denied check-in," said BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan.
"So wala rin naman hong holdings ang Japan police or Japan immigration. Then after that wala na po kami information," he added.
Hontiveros, citing information from her sources, revealed that Roque had flown from Dubai to Shanghai on December 8, 2024, stayed there for just one day, and then traveled to Macau, known for its casinos.
During the hearing, Hontiveros asked Manahan if there was any information confirming Roque’s presence in China or Macau. Manahan responded that there was no verified evidence on this matter.
"Where for God's sake is Harry Roque? Bakit parang libre nalang siyang magpost ng kung ano-ano sa social media, na parang kinukutya pa ang administrasyon at mga awtoridad natin while avoiding arrest for charges of human trafficking?" Hontiveros questioned in her opening statement.
"Sino kaya ang tumutulong sa kanya?" she added.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) also reported that Roque traveled from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi in September of the previous year.
"Our agency was able to monitor Harry Roque's travel from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi on September 2, 2024, at around 9:30 in the morning, taking PR2485. After po doon, titingnan natin from Tawi-Tawi wala na po kaming narinig," NICA Director Ferlu Silvio stated.
Authorities are still working to determine how Roque managed to leave the country.
Roque is implicated in a qualified human trafficking case involving Cassandra Li Ong and others related to the alleged illegal activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub, Lucky South 99 Corp.
He also faces an outstanding arrest order from the House of Representatives, after being cited for contempt and ordered detained for failing to submit documents that could explain a sudden increase in his wealth.
