Court cancels passports of Harry Roque and three others linked to Pampanga POGO hub

The passports of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Cassandra Ong, along with two other suspects linked to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, have been canceled.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio confirmed that Pasig RTC Branch 157 approved the Motion for Cancellation of Passport on Monday afternoon, November 24.

Aside from Roque and Ong, the passports of Ronelyn Baterna and Dennis Cunanan were also canceled.

The four are facing charges of qualified human trafficking in connection with the operations of the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

Casio expressed hope that the passport cancellations would speed up the government’s request for a Red Notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) against Roque, who also faces a separate inciting-to-sedition case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation.

In relation to this, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already deployed its intelligence and tracker teams while awaiting Interpol’s issuance of a Red Notice against Roque.

PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered operatives to coordinate closely with the Interpol National Central Bureau in Manila.

“The PNP’s role is to work closely with our Interpol National Central Bureau,” Nartatez said Monday. “We will serve as the primary enforcement arm if the notice is approved.”

A Red Notice alerts Interpol member countries to help locate and arrest a person wanted by law based on a valid national arrest warrant.

“Once a Red Notice is approved, all ground units will be ready to act immediately. We always ensure full compliance with legal procedures and respect for human rights,” Nartatez explained.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) rejected Roque’s claim that the charges against him were politically motivated.

Roque had invoked the “non-refoulement principle,” arguing that he should not be arrested or returned to the Philippines.

“The principle of non-refoulement assumes that you are being politically persecuted in the Philippines or your country of origin. It begs the question: is there political persecution happening here? No. You (Roque) are being charged with crimes you allegedly committed, and it is your responsibility to answer these charges,” DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said.

Martinez once again urged Roque and the other accused individuals abroad to return home and face their cases.