Philippines warns Duterte’s ex-spokesman to return amid POGO scam charges
The Philippine government has called on Harry Roque Jr. (depicted in the featured image), ex-spokesperson and a close aide of former president Rodrigo Duterte to return to the country after he was seen in the Netherlands, allegedly evading an arrest warrant issued by the House of Representatives. Roque, who appeared at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague on 14 March 2025, is reportedly facing human trafficking charges linked to an illegal offshore gaming operation.
Roque was spotted alongside Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Robin Padilla and stated that he intends to join the legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was arrested on 11 March and is facing crimes against humanity charges at the ICC.
The Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) have filed charges against Roque over alleged ties to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub raided in Porac, Pampanga.
Authorities claim that Roque facilitated operations within the illegal gaming facility, which was involved in human trafficking and illicit financial activities.
Escape route similar to Alice Guo’s
Immigration officials believe Roque may have fled the country through an unmonitored maritime route via Tawi-Tawi, a method previously used by former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. Bureau of Immigration (BI) chief Joel Viado suggested that Roque and Guo exploited gaps in border security to escape to Malaysia before proceeding to other destinations.
Guo, who was recently arrested in Indonesia, has been linked to Chinese criminal syndicates and money laundering. The government is now under pressure to tighten border controls to prevent further high-profile escapes.
House committee investigating POGO charges
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ House Quad Committee is planning to conduct an inquiry into the status of the arrest warrant issued against Roque and the cases filed against him. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed that the committee aims to address the situation promptly to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla questioned Roque’s decision to seek political asylum in the Netherlands, noting that no court case has been filed against him yet. Remulla expressed concerns about the implications of Roque’s actions on the country’s legal system and international reputation.
The charges against Roque have reignited debates over the regulation and oversight of POGO operations in the Philippines. Critics argue that insufficient regulation has led to increased criminal activities, including human trafficking and money laundering, associated with these offshore gaming operators.
The government faces mounting pressure to implement stricter measures to monitor and regulate POGO activities to prevent further illicit operations and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Roque’s involvement in the ICC proceedings and his alleged ties to illegal POGO operations have drawn international attention. As the investigation unfolds, the Philippine government is likely to take more legal and diplomatic ramifications of Roque’s actions while addressing the broader issues surrounding POGO operations.
