Castro to Duterte supporters: Call for Harry Roque’s return, too

Claire Castro (left) and Harry Roque. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday said it might be better for Duterte supporters to also call for the return of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, not just the former president.

Castro made this statement when asked how the government views Roque’s appearance in the Netherlands in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court.

“I cannot speak on behalf of the QuadComm, on behalf of the House of Representatives, because it’s the arrest warrant of the House that has not been implemented due to Atty. Harry Roque’s hiding,” said Castro in a press conference.

READ: Harry Roque spotted in The Hague with Sara Duterte, Robin Padilla

“But, it might be better if we really challenge him to go home, right? Bring home FP (former president) Duterte. So, maybe it would be better for the people to also shout, bring home Roque,” she added, alluding Duterte supporters’ call to bring home the former president.

Prior to this appearance, Roque has been in hiding amid an arrest order from the House of Representatives Quad Committee after being cited for contempt and ordered to be detained due to his failure to submit documents that would supposedly justify his sudden increased wealth.

READ: ‘Where, for God’s sake, is Harry Roque?’: Hontiveros grills BI

Roque is also facing human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice, due to his alleged “active participation” in the operations of the scam hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.