An immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) has been issued against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and 11 others in connection with the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
The ILBO, shared by GMA Integrated News’ Joseph Morong, includes Roque, Cassandra Li Ong (the authorized representative of the Porac POGO hub), and former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, among others.
Department of Justice Statement:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasized the gravity of the possible charges and the extensive media coverage as reasons for the ILBO, noting the potential risk of the individuals leaving the country to evade legal processes.
“Hence, we deem the issuance of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against the subject persons in order to at least monitor the itineraries of their flight, travel, and/or whereabouts,” the DOJ stated.
Roque’s Response:
Roque described the ILBO as “plain harassment,” suggesting it is a political maneuver to silence him as a critic of the current administration. He asserted that he has no plans to leave the Philippines and is prepared to face his accusers regarding the offshore gaming allegations.
“This political witch hunt is intended to silence me as a critic of this Administration… There is no reason to leave the Philippines. I will face my accusers and answer all allegations related to offshore gaming,” Roque said.
Roque has been involved in the Senate investigation into the raided POGO hubs, having allegedly assisted Lucky South 99, the firm in Porac, with license reapplication and arrears settlement. He claims the only evidence against him is his accompaniment of Ong for arrears rescheduling and an uncorroborated chart.
DOJ’s Clarification:
Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano clarified that an ILBO is merely a monitoring mechanism and does not prevent individuals from traveling. It alerts immigration authorities if the listed individuals attempt to leave or enter the country.
Clavano dismissed allegations that the ILBO was issued to harass Roque, noting that 12 individuals are listed in the ILBO, indicating the broader context of the investigation.
“We really don’t see where that’s coming from because 12 names are included in the ILBO and we think that, at the heat of it, it is definitely a point of interest,” Clavano said.
He also mentioned that Ong has already left the country before the ILBO was issued, prompting the decision to release the ILBO. Additionally, a precautionary hold departure order will be filed to prevent the subjects from leaving the country.
GMA News Online has sought comments from other subjects of the ILBO but has yet to receive a response.