Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has denied reports that his asylum bid in the Netherlands has been rejected, amid ongoing qualified human trafficking charges in the Philippines.
In a Facebook post, Roque clarified that the asylum proceedings in The Hague are still ongoing and confidential. “No one has access to the proceedings except myself and the Dutch government,” he stated.
Roque is currently facing charges before the Angeles, Pampanga Regional Trial Court in connection with the Lucky South 99 POGO firm. Authorities have reportedly uncovered evidence of torture, kidnapping, and sex trafficking at the site, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). A warrant for Roque’s arrest has already been issued by RTC Branch 118.
Roque has strongly denied all allegations and also rejected claims that his case had been forwarded to German authorities. “There is no truth that my Schengen visa was issued by Germany or that Dutch immigration referred my case to them,” he said.
The Department of Justice has yet to issue a comment on the matter.