MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Immigration Bulletin Lookout Order (ILBO) against him and others was “plain harassment” and a “political witch hunt intended to silence him.”
Roque’s statement came after an ILBO was issued against him in connection with the cases concerning Lucky South 99 Corp, the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Pampanga.
READ: DOJ issues immigration lookout bulletin vs Harry Roque, 11 others
“The only pieces of evidence they have are: one, that I have accompanied Katherine Cassandra Li Ong for rescheduling of arrears payment; and two, an uncorroborated organizational chart, which I had no participation in preparing, neither did I consent to my name’s inclusion,” he pointed out.
“This political witch hunt is intended to silence me as a critic of this Administration,” he added.
Roque likewise said that he would face all the allegations against him related to the Pogo and that there was no reason for him to leave the country.
Based on the order released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, the ILBO covers 11 other individuals linked to the case. They are:
- Katherine Cassandra Li Ong
- Xiang Tan
- Jing Gu
- Stephanie B. Mascareñas
- Michael Bryce B. Matareñas
- Zhang Jie
- Duanren Wu
- Raymund Calleon G. Co
- Randel Calleon G. Co
- Dennis L. Cunanan
- Han Gao
“Considering the gravity of the possible charges, as well as the wide media coverage and public attention this has gained over the past months, there is a strong possibility that the abovementioned nationals may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of the legal processes of this Department by leaving the country,” the order dated August 6 reads.
An ILBO, however, may not prevent Roque and others from leaving the country as it is for monitoring purposes only and is not a sufficient prohibition to bar someone from leaving the country. Only the courts can issue a hold departure order.