PNP intensifies manhunt for Harry Roque

MANILA, Philippines — Police have intensified the manhunt for Harry Roque, who has an arrest order issued by the House of Representatives quad committee, with special tracker teams looking for the former presidential spokesman round the clock.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said yesterday they have mobilized tracker teams led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to locate Roque and bring him before the House’s quad committee.

“We have officially received the request from the House of Representatives and the PNP is fully committed to executing this order while adhering to our core mandate,” Marbil said in a statement.

The House quad committee has a standing order for Roque’s arrest over his failure to submit subpoenaed documents related to his assets. Lawmakers believe the documents could be connected to criminal activities of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operation hubs.

Marbil assured Roque that the manhunt for him would be carried out with the highest level of professionalism and respect for due process.

“Our fundamental duty is to respect the decisions of our democratic institutions and ensure human rights are protected throughout this process,” he said.

Speaking to reporters in an interview, Marbil said it is up to Roque if he will continue to evade the arrest order or surrender to the House of Representatives as “he knows what is right and what is wrong.”

Roque, former spokesman of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has denied being a fugitive and said he would seek judicial relief from the Supreme Court.

Apart from the PNP, Marbil said the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration are helping in the manhunt for Roque. — Sheila Crisostomo