WHO HELPED ROQUE FLEE?
DEPUTY Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros has called upon the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other law enforcement agencies to swiftly identify those who facilitated the undetected departure of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Roque, who was under investigation for alleged involvement with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), reportedly left the country for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Hontiveros expressed concern over Roque’s escape, noting that Dubai is a known hub for POGO operations. She suggested that individuals connected to POGO activities may have assisted in his departure. “Ang Dubai ay isang POGO hub kaya baka mga POGO actors din ang tumulong sa kanya,” she remarked.
The senator also criticized the BI for its failure to prevent Roque’s exit, drawing parallels to the earlier escape of Guo Hua Ping, a dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who fled to Indonesia under similar circumstances. “Kahit ang pagtakas ni Guo Hua Ping papuntang Indonesia, wala pa rin silang sagot kung paano nangyari,” Hontiveros stated.
Highlighting a perceived inconsistency in the BI’s operations, Hontiveros pointed out that ordinary Filipinos often face stringent checks when leaving the country, while high-profile fugitives seem to depart with ease. “Kapag mga ordinaryong Pilipino na lumalabas ng bansa, pahirapan sa Immigration, pero kapag mga pugante, tila ang dali makalusot,” she observed.
In light of the official ban on POGO operations in the Philippines, Hontiveros emphasized that such entities should no longer wield influence over national institutions, particularly the BI. She urged the agency to uphold its mandate without succumbing to external pressures.
Reportedly, the BI has yet to issue a detailed explanation regarding Roque’s departure. As investigations continue, Hontiveros and other lawmakers remain vigilant, seeking accountability and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
