The Philippine passports of Cassandra Ong and former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque have been cancelled, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon announced Monday, as both face human trafficking cases.
Roque has denied involvement in alleged trafficking and abuse at the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Porac, Pampanga, though the case remains pending since the Angeles City court has yet to acquire jurisdiction over him.
Under the New Philippine Passport Act, passports can be cancelled when a court orders it due to conviction, fugitive status, or suspected terrorism charges.
“Dahil nga may warrant of arrest na ho siya, ang kanilang ginawa ay pakansela po yung kanyang passport para ma-inform po ang Interpol ng Red Notice at ma-aresto siya ng Interpol,” Senator Win Gatchalian said.
Roque is currently in the Netherlands seeking asylum, while Ong was last tracked in Japan earlier this year after her release from detention, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).