The Philippine National Police stated on Friday (May 16) that they plan to collaborate with Interpol to track down the whereabouts of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
Roque is wanted by Branch 118 of the Angeles City Regional Trial Court for "aggravated human trafficking," related to illegal activities in the "Lucky South 99" scam center in Polac City, Pampanga. He is currently seeking political asylum in the Netherlands.
Colonel Tuyano, chief of the Public Information Office at the Philippine National Police headquarters, stated at a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City: "We are considering seeking Interpol's assistance for his pursuit, while also noting that the political asylum application may take at least six months to be approved. These legal considerations were discussed in meetings between Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Major General Torre and his legal advisors."
Roque left the Philippines last September after being summoned by the House of Representatives for contempt over his refusal to attend hearings on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, now referred to as "online gaming license holders."
Meanwhile, Chief of Police Mabil has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to form a task force to pursue the registered owner of the scam center, Cassandra Liang, and 49 other individuals with arrest warrants issued by the court.
Tuyano added that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will also work with the Bureau of Immigration to investigate whether Cassandra has already left the country.
Roque is wanted by Branch 118 of the Angeles City Regional Trial Court for "aggravated human trafficking," related to illegal activities in the "Lucky South 99" scam center in Polac City, Pampanga. He is currently seeking political asylum in the Netherlands.
Colonel Tuyano, chief of the Public Information Office at the Philippine National Police headquarters, stated at a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City: "We are considering seeking Interpol's assistance for his pursuit, while also noting that the political asylum application may take at least six months to be approved. These legal considerations were discussed in meetings between Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Major General Torre and his legal advisors."
Roque left the Philippines last September after being summoned by the House of Representatives for contempt over his refusal to attend hearings on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, now referred to as "online gaming license holders."
Meanwhile, Chief of Police Mabil has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to form a task force to pursue the registered owner of the scam center, Cassandra Liang, and 49 other individuals with arrest warrants issued by the court.
Tuyano added that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will also work with the Bureau of Immigration to investigate whether Cassandra has already left the country.