MANILA, Philippines —The asylum bid of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque remains undecided, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, likening its status to being in “purgatory.”
"It's been neither approved nor denied," Remulla told reporters on the sidelines of the turnover of 73 new motorcycle units for the Unified 911 emergency response at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Wednesday. Remulla also said authorities have submitted the requirements for an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice against Roque and were just awaiting its response.
As per Remulla, the government is consulting international lawyers on whether the red notice request can proceed while Roque’s asylum application remains pending.
Remulla claimed on Sept. 15 that Roque’s asylum application had been denied but later said that he was wrong and that the application was undecided.
Roque had disputed the claim, saying he was still awaiting a decision from Austrian authorities.
Roque is facing qualified human trafficking charges in connection with the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. An Angeles City Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant against Roque and other respondents in May 2025 after finding probable cause in the cases, which are non-bailable.
Remulla rejected Roque’s claim that he was being politically persecuted, saying the case involves a criminal charge.
“Nobody is being politically persecuted. Ang charge sa kanya ay human trafficking,” Remulla said.
Roque has denied the allegations and maintained that he was not involved in illegal POGO operations.
Meanwhile, Remulla said his planned trip to France supposedly to convince counterparts was delayed as he prioritized the government’s response to the recent school shooting in South Cotabato.
Co is among those facing a P7.44 billion plunder case over alleged kickbacks linked to flood control and other government projects. A Sandiganbayan division issued an arrest warrant against Co and others accused on Sept. 7.
