PNP says it’s ready if Interpol issues red notice vs Harry Roque

MANILA, Philippines — Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they were ready to respond if the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issues a red notice against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Last Sunday, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio stated that the government had requested a red notice from Interpol for Roque in connection with alleged crimes related to a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) in Pampanga.

“We will be the primary enforcement arm if the notice is approved. We ensure that all police units nationwide are alerted and prepared to act. At this point, we’re monitoring, and we’re waiting for official communication from the proper agencies,” Nartatez said in a statement on Monday.

An Interpol red notice aims to “seek the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.”

“The PNP is prepared to act in full compliance with national and international protocols while upholding due process and the rights of all parties involved,” the top cop added.

Nartatez also said the PNP will coordinate closely with the Philippines’ Interpol National Central Bureau if the red notice is approved.

READ: Interpol red notice out on Ong, also sought vs Roque

Roque is accused of human trafficking in connection with the Lucky South 99 Pogo in Porac.

Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 issued the warrant of arrest last May against Roque and 49 others over the alleged crimes in the scam hub.

Since being charged, Roque has attempted to seek asylum in different countries on the grounds of “political persecution,” but the Department of Justice had earlier claimed that the Netherlands had denied his request. /cb