Political asylum bid of former Duterte presidential spokesperson Harry Roque 'in limbo' — DILG

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Wednesday that the asylum application of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque remains in limbo, or in what he described as a “purgatory” stage.

He said the application has neither been approved nor denied. The process usually takes around six months, he noted, but Roque's request has already been pending for more than six months to a year without a decision.

“Hindi approved, hindi disapproved. Kaya, kumbaga, nasa purgatory siya ng asylum ngayon. Kasi usually six months lang yan eh. Six months, nine months na, one year yata, hindi pa binibigay sa kanya. So, neither here nor there. Wala pang batas na nagsasaklaw ukol sa kanyang asylum. Nagkukonsulta kami sa international lawyers kung makokover na siya ng red notice na makuha na namin tungkol sa kanya (Not approved, not disapproved. So, we could say he's in asylum purgatory right now. Because that's usually only six months. It's been six months, nine months, maybe one year, and they haven't given it to him yet. So, neither here nor there. There's no law that covers his asylum. We are consulting with international lawyers to see if he can be covered, if we can get a red notice about him),” 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 (NCRPO) Headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

Remulla said authorities have submitted all the requirements for an Interpol Red Notice against Roque and are waiting for the international police organization to act on the request.

He also disputed Roque's claim of political persecution, saying the charges against him involve human trafficking.

Roque has been wanted since May 2025 after an Angeles City court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him and other respondents for qualified human trafficking linked to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“Nobody is being politically persecuted. Ang charge sa kanya (Roque) ay human trafficking. At ang charge kay Zaldy Co is plunder. Pareho silang part of the administration dati. Hindi ano to, hindi political persecution. May krimen talaga. Kung tingin nila, inosente sila, humarap sila dito. Parehas naman ang labanan (The charge against him (Roque) is human trafficking. And the charge against Zaldy Co is plunder. They were both part of the administration before. This is not political persecution. There is a real crime. If they think they are innocent, they should face it. The battle is fair),” Remulla stressed.

Co is facing a plunder case over an alleged PHP7.44-billion kickback scheme involving government flood-control projects.

The DILG chief also said that his planned trip to France concerning the asylum bid of the former lawmaker was delayed following the recent school shooting in South Cotabato.

He said he prioritized completing the government's response to incidents involving children in conflict with the law (CICL).

“This takes precedence over everything. All businesses drop. Safety of the children comes first,” Remulla explained.

73 new motorcycles for 911 quick response

Meanwhile, Remulla, together with NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig Gen. Christopher Abrahano, on Wednesday led the turnover of 73 new motorcycle units for the Unified 911 emergency response.

The motorcycles were distributed to police districts and police stations in Metro Manila and will complement existing police response vehicles and personnel, particularly in responding to urgent calls received through the 911 emergency hotline.

The 73 motorcycles were distributed to the following: Manila Police District -- 18; Southern Police District -- 18; Quezon City Police District -- 13; and Eastern Police District -- 24 (Taguig - 14, Pasig - 10).

“We are grateful for the support of Secretary Jonvic Remulla and our PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Their support is crucial in strengthening our capability to provide faster and more responsive police services to the people of Metro Manila,” Abrahano told reporters.

He said the additional motorcycles will help police responders reach emergency scenes faster, particularly in areas where heavy traffic and congested roads may delay conventional patrol vehicles.

-Philippine News Agency