FORMER presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has urged the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) to reject the Philippine government’s request for a Red Notice against him, arguing that the move is illegal, politically driven, and based on what he described as a manufactured criminal case.
In a statement released Monday, Roque confirmed that he has formally filed an objection before the CCF, Interpol’s independent oversight panel tasked with reviewing Red Notice requests and ensuring compliance with the organization’s constitution and data protection rules.
He called on the commission to junk Manila’s bid, claiming it violates Interpol’s human rights safeguards.
Roque said the Philippine government’s submission breaches Articles 2 and 3 of the Interpol Constitution, which require respect for human rights and bar the organization from intervening in cases that are “predominantly political” in nature.
He cited established Interpol jurisprudence that prohibits the issuance of Red Notices against political opponents and asylum seekers.
“Interpol jurisprudence clearly prohibits Red Notices against political opponents and asylum seekers,” Roque said.
The former Duterte spokesman is facing human trafficking charges and has been tagged by authorities as a fugitive from justice.
The government has denied claims of political persecution, insisting that Roque must return to the Philippines to answer the charges in court.
Roque, however, maintained that he is a “bona fide protected asylum seeker” under Dutch and European Union law, arguing that any attempt to enlist Interpol’s assistance against him automatically violates the organization’s framework.
He reiterated his claim that the syndicated trafficking case filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), a serious and non-bailable offense, was politically motivated and meant to target allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte and critics of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The DOJ earlier canceled Roque’s passport, along with that of his co-accused Cassandra Ong, before seeking an Interpol Red Notice to help locate and provisionally arrest him based on an existing warrant.
Roque has consistently denied any involvement in alleged human trafficking or abuses connected to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
The Angeles City court handling the case has yet to acquire jurisdiction over him, leaving the proceedings in limbo.
A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but a request circulated among Interpol’s 196 member states to assist in locating and provisionally arresting a person pending extradition or similar legal action.
Compliance with such notices remains at the discretion of each country.