Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said Harry Roque–the ex-spokesperson of former President Rodrigo Duterte– has submitted his counter-affidavit on a qualified human trafficking complaint related to the alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operation in Pampanga.
Roque submitted his counter-affidavit from Abu Dhabi, Fadullon added.
The counter-affidavit, signed by Roque at the Philippine Embassy on November 29, was filed during the continuation of the preliminary investigation on the complaint by the Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors.
“[The] purpose is to clarify certain issues and to find out really where Mr. Harry Roque is at this point in time,” Fadullon, quoted by an ABS-CBN News report, added.
Foreign affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed that Roque and his wife, Mylah Roque, availed themselves on Nov. 29, 2024 of “consular services, particularly notarial services, which do not require a prior appointment.”
“They were able to present valid passports and appear to be staying in the UAE legally,” Daza said in a text message to the Standard.
Roque has been the subject of an arrest order for contempt from the House of Representatives.
The DOJ earlier said that Roque’s counter-affidavit could indicate his whereabouts.
In a virtual interview with reporters, Roque confirmed that he filed his counter-affidavit in Abu Dhabi, but said he was no longer there.
Roque refused to give more details about his whereabouts. He added that he no longer has to attend the clarificatory hearing by the DOJ since the notarization was done in a government facility with officials including the ambassador, ABS-CBN News further reported.
He said the government can get in touch with the consul who notarized his counter-affidavit or “call Ambassador [Ferdinand] Ver who was present when Roque filed the affidavit.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado meanwhile said Roque left the country through illegal means since there is no departure record from the BI.
In a statement, Viado said their verified records show that Roque has no recent attempt to depart the country via formal channels. His last recorded travel, according to the BI, was in July when he came home from Los Angeles.
“Flight is evidence of guilt. He likely left the country via illegal means, possibly aided by unscrupulous individuals,” said Viado.
Viado said his legal team is already studying filing more cases against Roque in light of this development. “He (Roque) most probably falsified immigration clearances to be accepted by his destination country,” said Viado. He added that they are mulling falsification of public documents, among other possible charges that may be filed against Roque.
“It’s impossible that he left via formal ports. His name is in the BI’s lookout bulletin, and he is a very well-known public figure. You can spot him miles away,” said Viado.
The BI chief added that formal entry and exit points are well-guarded, with CCTV cameras in major international ports, making it highly unlikely for him to use said areas. Viado said they will be coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to get more information about Roque’s supposed travel.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Viado says Roque left the Philippines illegally.”
