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Roque, 11 others on ILBO– DOJ
By Nidz Godino
"Hence, we deem issuance of ILBO against subject persons in order to at least monitor itineraries of their flight, travel and,or whereabouts," order, signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla showed immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against former presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. and 11 other persons of interest in investigation on raided Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
In three-page order, Remulla said Roque and 11 others "may attempt to place themselves beyond reach of legal processes of DOJ by leaving the country."
This is considering gravity of possible charges and wide media coverage and public attention case has gained over past months.
Named in ILBO were Roque; Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of Porac POGO hub, and former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, among others.
Ininterview with reporters, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Mico Clavano explained ILBO is only "monitoring mechanism" and is not meant to restrict right to travel of respondents.
Clavano said authorities would only be alerted if they leave or enter the country.
He stressed reports Ong had already left country and is in Singapore are one of the reasons prompted DOJ to issue ILBO.
"Very goal here is to safeguard integrity of investigation…we don't want that in the middle of investigation, persons of interest will leave the country without us knowing," Clavano said.
DOJ will also request precautionary hold departure order against Roque, Ong and others, if granted by court, will bar persons of interest from leaving the country.
In statement, Roque slammed ILBO as "plain harassment" and "political witch hunt" meant to silence him as critic of Marcos administration.
"I expect they will up ante following my call, posted on Facebook, to keep Malacañang drug-free after damning revelations of eyewitness Cathy Binag," Roque said.
He stressed he has "no reason" to leave the country and has committed to face his accusers and answer all allegations related to offshore gaming.
Former government spokesman said only evidence against him was his accompanying Ong to meeting with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. for rescheduling of arrears payment of Lucky South 99 and uncorroborated organizational chart.
Chart was that of Lucky South 99 listed him as legal head, but he has since said he was not involved in its preparation and did not consent to inclusion of his name.
Roque has been facing congressional inquiries into raided POGO hubs after he allegedly helped Lucky South 99, raided firm in Porac, reapply for license and settle their arrears.
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