Roque flees to UAE: Rappler shows up the fugitive’s route to evade the law

CHEERS TO Rappler for its report on the qualified human trafficking complaint against Harry Roque and how this would proceed now that Roque has fled the country. The former presidential spokesperson has been alleged to have ties to an illegal gambling hub. The article noted the failure of the government to ensure that persons under investigation would not be able to leave the country and escape accountability.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on December 3 that Roque’s counter-affidavit to the complaint was subscribed at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His lawyers submitted the documents at the DOJ. Filed on October 28, the complaint stemmed from his alleged “active participation” in the illegal activities of Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The details of his departure are so far unknown. On December 3, Roque confirmed in his online press conference that he went to Abu Dhabi to have his counter-affidavit notarized. But he said he was no longer in Abu Dhabi, giving no information about his whereabouts.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, there are no records of Roque’s departure. Immigration Chief Joel Viado suspects that Roque falsified his immigration clearances to be accepted in his destination country.

Media (ABS-CBN News, GMA News Online, Frontline Pilipinas, Inquirer.net, and The Philippine Star) all reported Roque’s departure.

Only Rappler provided more background information. The article by Lian Buan and Jairo Bolledo on December 5 pointed to the lack of a precautionary hold departure order, following up with information about how the qualified human trafficking complaint will proceed now that Roque has escaped. It also noted that the escape of a high-profile fugitive under investigation is not new to authorities, citing the recent escape of Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac.

As the report said, the prosecutors are still in the preliminary investigation, and there is no case formally filed against Roque. But even if the prosecution indicts Roque, the court must archive the case until the accused is arrested. This was the lesson in the case of Alice Guo, who almost got away, until she fell into the hands of Indonesian authorities.

If the government is serious about making criminals accountable, the authorities and agencies concerned need to work harder and more quickly to prevent the escape of suspects and accused. Clearly, these recent cases have shown up the short reach of law in our country.

If the government is serious about punishing criminals, precautionary actions should immediately be taken before they get away, and our law could not reach them anymore.