The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Tuesday that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque attempted to fly to the United States but was denied check-in after arriving in Japan.
During a Senate justice and human rights subcommittee hearing, BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan revealed that Roque, who has been evading arrest due to human trafficking allegations, was seen traveling from Singapore to Dubai before his failed US-bound flight.
“We also have information that he was in Japan. He was supposed to fly to the US but was denied check-in,” Manahan said.
Tracking Roque’s Movements
- December 2024: Roque and his wife reportedly left Singapore for Dubai.
- December 8, 2024: Sources claim he flew from Dubai to Shanghai, stayed for one day, then traveled to Macau.
- September 2, 2024: National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) tracked Roque’s flight from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi.
Despite these reports, officials have not confirmed how Roque exited the Philippines or if he indeed entered China.
Hontiveros Questions Roque’s Whereabouts
Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized Roque for being active on social media while avoiding arrest orders related to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations.
“Where—for God’s sake—is Harry Roque?” Hontiveros asked. “Who is helping him?”
Roque has been on the run since being linked to Lucky South 99, a raided POGO firm in Pampanga. He was also cited in contempt and ordered detained by Congress after refusing to submit financial documents.
Authorities continue their search, but for now, Roque’s exact location remains unknown.