DOJ: Warrant vs. Roque can be served via Interpol, diplomatic channels

The warrant of arrest issued against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for qualified human trafficking may be coursed through the Interpol and other official diplomatic channels, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.

"As for Harry Roque, since he is abroad, the process will be to go through diplomatic channels," DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a Viber message to reporters.

Asked if it can be coursed through the Interpol, Clavano said, "That is one of the diplomatic channels that are available."

The DOJ official also stressed that the service of the arrest warrant is not only for Roque, but also for the others accused in the case.

"We want to clarify that this is a matter of prosecution for a crime in the Philippines. He is one of many accused in the case. He is not being singled out. We should look at this as a venue wherein he can clear his name if indeed he does believe in his innocence," he said.

Meanwhile, Clavano said there was a possibility of an issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) against Cassandra Li Ong, Roque's co-accused in the qualified human trafficking case which stemmed from the legal debacle of Lucky South 99, the raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

"Yes, the prosecution may apply for a hold departure order given that a warrant is already issued for their arrest. This is to ensure that the accused do not leave the country and face the charges of Qualified Human Trafficking," Clavano said when asked if an HDO may be issued against her.

The Pampanga Regional Trial Court-Branch 118 issued the warrant of arrest against Roque, Ong, and 48 others for qualified human trafficking in relation with the alleged scam hub run by Lucky South 99.

Roque is seeking asylum in the Netherlands. He resurfaced in The Hague following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte last March. — VDV, GMA Integrated News