Roque says asylum request received by the Netherlands

MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum request has been received by the government of the Netherlands.

This was confirmed by Roque himself to INQUIRER.net.

“Yes, it was. I am a bona fide asylum seeker with the right to non-refoulement,” he said in a text message on Wednesday when he was asked if his appeal had already been accepted or received.

According to Roque, his application now gives him rights to non-refoulement or non-deportation until the Netherlands acts on his request.

READ: Roque included in trafficking raps tied to raided Pogo

An asylum-seeker is defined as someone who is seeking international protection.

READ: Harry Roque likely left PH illegally; falsification rap eyed – BI

Roque is implicated in the qualified human trafficking case against Cassandra Li Ong and several others concerning the alleged illegal activities of the Pogo hub Lucky South 99 Corp.

He has an outstanding arrest order from the House of Representatives after being cited for contempt and ordered detained due to his failure to submit documents that would justify the alleged sudden increase in his wealth.

The Bureau of Immigration earlier said he likely left the country through illegal means.