Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Monday, March 17, that he is formally seeking asylum in The Netherlands, citing concerns over his safety and political persecution in the Philippines.
Roque’s bid for refuge comes amid reports of an impending complaint in the Philippines related to a human trafficking case over his alleged ties to a raided Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
In the virtual briefing, reporters asked Roque about his next moves should his country file an extradition request for him to be sent home.
“I’m formally announcing that after a meeting today, I’m formally filing for asylum here at the Netherlands,” Roque stated during a press briefing. “As soon as my application for asylum is received, I do have rights to non-refoulement.”
Roque, a former human rights lawyer and former congressman, explained that the principle of non-refoulement under international law guarantees him protection from deportation while his asylum application is under review.
“Non-refoulement under international law means number one, non-deportation until matapos’ yung imbestigasyon [until the investigation is completed] if I’m entitled to an asylum status, and number two, non-prosecution for illegal entry,” he said.
Roque, who had been in hiding for several months, made a public appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquarters in The Hague on March 14.
He was accompanied by Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Robin Padilla, saying his intention to join the legal team representing former president Rodrigo Duterte. The former president was arrested on March 11 on charges of crimes against humanity.
Previously, Roque clarified that he had only been issued an immigration lookout order, which does not restrict his ability to travel. (TCSP)
