PNP joining manhunt for Roque – lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines — Branding former presidential spokesman Harry Roque as a “fugitive,” the House’s quad committee said yesterday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now “fully engaged” in hunting him down.

According to panel co-chair and Sta. Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, the PNP has joined the search for Roque, who was ordered arrested by the committee on Thursday for refusing to submit subpoenaed documents related to his alleged involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“The PNP is now fully engaged in the manhunt for Atty. Harry Roque and we are coordinating closely with the National Capital Region Police Office and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to ensure his swift apprehension,” he said.

Last Friday, the House had served the warrant of arrest at Roque’s law office in Makati City but he could not be found there.

The panel challenged Roque to man up and cooperate with the committee’s investigation.

“No one is above the law and we will not tolerate anyone defying the authority of Congress or evading accountability,” Fernandez added.

He condemned Roque’s evasive actions, underscoring that his blatant disregard for the House’s authority is a direct challenge to the institution.

“This kind of defiance cannot be taken lightly as it underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him. We will pursue this matter through all available legal avenues until justice is served,” he maintained.

Panel co-chair and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Roque’s refusal to cooperate only deepens suspicions regarding his involvement in the POGO industry.

“Mr. Roque has been evasive and his actions suggest that he is unwilling to face accountability,” he added.

Barbers reminds Roque that “the public deserves transparency, especially in matters involving significant legal and financial questions.”

The committee has urged the public to provide any information on Roque’s whereabouts to aid law enforcement.