Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has denied reports that he is seeking asylum in Germany, as Philippine authorities continue to pursue serious human trafficking charges against him linked to the country’s offshore gaming industry.
Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed this week that Roque’s initial application for asylum in the Netherlands had been denied, and that he had since travelled to Germany, possibly to apply for asylum there.
Remulla warned that if Roque’s passport is cancelled, he could become an undocumented individual and be arrested by Interpol. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has already begun proceedings to revoke his passport.
Roque labels ‘fake news’
Roque, however, strongly disputes these claims, calling them “fake news” and accusing the Philippine government of political persecution. He insists that his visit to Germany was a pre-arranged trip to meet the Filipino community, and that he has since returned to The Hague in the Netherlands. He maintains that his asylum application remains confidential between him and the Dutch authorities.
At the centre of the legal case is Roque’s alleged involvement in the controversial Lucky South 99 offshore gaming hub in Porac, Pampanga. Roque is among more than 40 individuals charged with qualified human trafficking for alleged links to the operations of Lucky South 99, which was raided and shut down last year.
Authorities discovered foreign workers detained against their will, suspected torture chambers, and evidence of illegal online scam operations inside the compound. The raid was part of a broader government crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which have faced growing allegations of human trafficking, organised crime, financial scams, and human rights abuses.
Prosecutors allege that Roque’s role extended beyond his legal work for Whirlwind Corporation, which leased property to the POGO operator, and involved management responsibilities that fall under the country’s Trafficking in Persons Act. If convicted, he would be liable under Republic Act No. 9208.
One of the most high-profile cases
Roque remains firm on his claims that there is no evidence that he organised, financed, or ordered any human trafficking activities. Despite his denials, the DOJ says it is seeking Interpol’s assistance should he become undocumented within Europe. Under EU law, valid visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen zone, but fugitives who lose legal status may face arrest.
The Philippine government’s nationwide action on POGOs, which continues to grab attention both at home and abroad, as authorities seek to dismantle networks involved in illegal recruitment, detention, and online fraud. Roque’s case has become one of the most high-profile legal battles emerging from the country’s embattled offshore gaming sector, raising questions about legal accountability and political rivalries in the Philippines.
