Austrian authorities have turned down the asylum request of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, clear clearing the way for Philippine officials to wait for an Interpol Red Notice to initiate his return.
Remulla clarified that Roque is currently staying in Vienna and is not hiding from the law, confirming that authorities are aware of his location.
“Nasa Vienna (Austria) siya (Harry Roque). Meron na kaming communication, so hindi siya nagtatago but anytime pwede na namin siyang kunin. Ah human trafficking ang kaso niya.,’’ Remulla noted.
While confident about bringing Roque back to face his charges, Remulla admitted that European legal channels and strict rights safeguards might slow down the process.
“Europe is very particular sa human rights, very procedural sila, they throw roadblocks along the way,’’ Remulla explained.
Under the Dublin Regulation, Austria assumed jurisdiction over the asylum application because Roque entered the region using an Austrian-issued Schengen visa.
Roque himself previously confirmed via a social media livestream that Dutch immigration authorities had also rejected his initial asylum petition and subsequent appeal in the Netherlands.
The former official faces human trafficking charges linked to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Porac, Pampanga.
In May 2025, an Angeles City court issued warrants for his arrest along with Cassandra Ong and 50 others, with investigators pointing to Roque’s alleged role in securing the POGO’s license and managing its legal matters.