MANILA – A warrant of arrest has been issued against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for qualified human trafficking, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Tuesday.
Roque is facing non-bailable charges filed on April 28 before the Angeles City Regional Trial Court, linking him to alleged labor trafficking operations involving real estate firm Whirlwind Corporation and POGO operator Lucky South 99.
In a Facebook livestream on April 29, Roque denied the accusations, calling them “politically motivated” and a “weaponization” of the country’s justice system. He claims the charges are retaliation for his ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Roque and 54 others face ten counts of labor trafficking. Authorities allege Roque used his legal influence to protect the syndicate’s operations and assist in corporate filings despite awareness of illegal activity.
Victims allegedly endured forced labor, physical abuse, passport confiscation, and severe confinement under the syndicate’s control.
The DOJ is also moving to block Roque’s asylum request in the Netherlands, citing the serious nature of the charges.
