The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, January 14, said it is prepared to support its diplomatic posts if they request help in the case of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said that once DFA posts abroad “have made their determination on the approach they wish to undertake and communicated it to DFA,” regarding Roque, the agency is “always ready to assist.”
“This is primarily a law enforcement process,” she added.
Roque, whose passport was already cancelled due to human trafficking charges in the Philippines, remains at large. He expressed concern over statements by Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, who said he “should never be assisted by the diplomatic agents of the Philippine Embassy.”
For him, such a statement “reflects a gross ignorance of the law, diplomatic practice, and the fundamental rights of Filipino citizens abroad.”
Roque emphasized that all Filipino nationals are entitled to consular assistance and protection under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, regardless of allegations against them.