FORMER Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Jr. likely left the country through illegal means.
Thus said Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, citing verification with their records which he said shows that Roque has no recent attempt to depart the country via formal channels. His last recorded travel, according to the BI, was in July when he came home from Los Angeles.
“Flight is an evidence of guilt. He likely left the country via illegal means, possibly aided by unscrupulous individuals,” Viado said.
Roque reportedly submitted his counter-affidavit on the qualified human trafficking case against him from Abu Dhabi.
Viado said that the bureau’s legal team is already studying filing more cases against Roque for his illegal travel.
“He (Roque) most probably falsified immigration clearances to be accepted by his destination country,” he added.
The BI chief added that they are mulling filing falsification of public documents, among other possible charges that may be filed against Roque.
“It’s impossible that he left via formal ports. His name is in the BI’s Lookout Bulletin, and he is a very well-known public figure. You can spot him miles away,” said Viado, adding that formal entry and exit points are well-guarded, with CCTV cameras in major international ports, making it highly unlikely for him to use said areas.
Viado said that they will be coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to get more information about Roque’s supposed travel. Roque, in a recorded statement, said he is no longer in Abu Dhabi but remains abroad.
