Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) have found themselves in hot water after Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned them about the whereabouts of former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque.
The controversy erupted amid allegations that Roque illegally left the country despite his reported involvement in cases related to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO). With the spotlight now on government agencies responsible for monitoring border security, this case raises serious concerns about how high-profile figures can allegedly slip through immigration controls unnoticed.
Senator Hontiveros Calls for Answers
In a fiery statement, Senator Hontiveros pressed the BI and other law enforcement agencies to explain how Roque was able to leave the Philippines without any official records. She emphasized that Dubai—where Roque is believed to be—has long been a known hub for POGO operations, making it plausible that certain POGO actors facilitated his alleged escape.
Hontiveros also slammed the BI for its apparent failure to track Roque’s movements, pointing out the double standard in immigration procedures. "Ordinary Filipinos go through strict screening when leaving the country, but fugitives seem to have an easier time slipping away," she remarked.
Roque Fires Back: ‘No Hold Departure Order, No Escape’
Roque was quick to defend himself against the allegations, denying that he fled the country. In his response, he clarified that no hold departure order (HDO) was issued against him, meaning he had every legal right to travel.
He also strongly denied any involvement with POGO-related activities, calling the claims against him “irresponsible and malicious.” Roque challenged Senator Hontiveros to present solid evidence outside of the Senate, where she does not have parliamentary immunity.
Bureau of Immigration Under Scrutiny
Despite Roque’s denial, the Bureau of Immigration admitted that there were no official departure records of Roque leaving the country. The last recorded travel activity under his name was his return from Los Angeles in July.
This has led authorities to suspect that Roque may have left the country illegally, possibly with the assistance of corrupt insiders. The BI has since launched an investigation and is considering filing falsification of public documents charges against him.
Government Moves to Track Roque’s Whereabouts
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been contacted for additional information regarding Roque’s alleged presence in Dubai. Meanwhile, the government continues its probe to identify potential accomplices who may have assisted him in leaving the country undetected. (Source: Radyo Pilipinas)
Final Thoughts: A Scandal That Exposes Systemic Loopholes
The case of Harry Roque has once again exposed potential vulnerabilities in the Philippine immigration system. If a high-profile figure can allegedly leave the country without a trace, what does this mean for national security and law enforcement?
With investigations underway, one thing is certain—this scandal is far from over. Will Roque be cleared of all allegations, or will more revelations come to light? The coming weeks may hold the answers.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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