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HR to seek asylum in Netherlands, ‘confident’ in proving political persecution
By Nidz Godino
“I’m formally announcing that after our meeting today, I’m filing formally for asylum here in the Netherlands,” former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in virtual press conference announced on Monday, March 17, plans to seek political asylum in the Netherlands.
Roque was first spotted in The Hague, Netherlands on March 14, the day of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s initial appearance before International Criminal Court (ICC) for charges of crimes against humanity.
He explained that once his asylum application is approved, he would have right to “non-refoulement,” meaning he won’t be deported until asylum investigation is complete and cannot be prosecuted for illegal entry.
Under 1951 Refugee Convention, the Netherlands is state party, member states cannot return refugees to countries where they face serious threats to their lives.
Articles 31 and 32 shield refugees from expulsion and punishment for illegal entry, except under strictly defined conditions. However, these protections do not apply to those deemed security threat or convicted of serious crime.
Roque, however, clarified that he entered Netherlands legally because he has his visa.
The former presidential spokesman, seeks to represent Duterte in ICC proceedings as his legal counsel, faces outstanding contempt citation from House Quad Committee and has been ordered detained.
This is in connection with allegations that Roque was involved in illegal activities found in now-defunct Lucky South 99, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
He also faces qualified human trafficking charges linked to POGO hub, with House Quad Committee alleging he was hired as legal counsel by Lucky South 99’s authorized representative Cassandra Ong.
Roque said he is victim of political persecution, accusing Quad Committee of investigating POGOs with “political motivation.”
“So I am confident that I can prove political persecution through unjust prosecution ng Quad committee,” he said.
He will apply for asylum with Immigration and Naturalization Service in Ter Apel, about three-hour trip from The Hague. He expects to stay there overnight.
Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano, one of the Quad Comm’s co-chairs, told reporters mega panel’s next hearing should invite Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration to review and explain Roque’s documents.
He also said they may seek House legal department’s opinion on handling Roque’s outstanding contempt citation.
Roque is one of the five Filipino lawyers accredited by ICC to be part of proceedings.
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