Philippine Government Seeks Interpol Red Notice for Harry Roque Amid Human Trafficking Allegations; Flood Scam Arrests Continue

Interpol Red Notice Sought for Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

The Philippine government has officially requested the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a Red Notice against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. This request stems from allegations of qualified human trafficking connected to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Porac, Pampanga.

According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Roque is accused of playing a significant role in the POGO hub's operations, including being named the head of its legal department during a license reapplication process for his client, Whirlwind Corp., which leased land to Lucky South 99. An Angeles City Regional Trial Court, Branch 118, had previously issued arrest warrants for 50 individuals, including Roque, on May 15, 2025.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed its intelligence and tracker units on standby, coordinating with Interpol's National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, ready to act should the Red Notice be approved. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed on Monday that Roque's Philippine passport has been cancelled. Roque, who has been out of the country since December 3, 2024, has sought asylum in various nations, claiming 'political persecution.' However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that his asylum request in the Netherlands was denied. Roque maintains that an Interpol Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant and cannot override asylum protections while his petition is pending.

Arrests and Warrants Issued in Flood Control Project Scam

Simultaneously, authorities in the Philippines have made significant arrests and issued warrants in connection with an anomalous ₱289.5-million road dike project at the Mag-asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. This scandal is part of a broader investigation into 'ghost' or substandard flood control projects, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. exposed in July, leading to a multi-agency probe.

Among those arrested is Dennis Abagon, an officer-in-charge of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division and a member of the Bids and Awards Committee. Following his arrest, six other DPWH officials from Region 4B (MIMAROPA) were transferred to the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. These officials include:

• Gerald Pacanan, DPWH MIMAROPA Regional Director
• Gene Ryan Alurin Altea, DPWH Director for Bureau of Maintenance
• Ruben Delos Santos Jr., Assistant Regional Director
• Dominic Gregorio Serrano, Construction Division Chief
• Felisardo Sevare Casuno, Project Engineer III
• Dennis Abagon, Bids and Awards Committee OIC

The officials face charges of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. President Marcos Jr. announced that seven of the 16 individuals charged alongside former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co are now in government custody, urging the remaining accused to surrender. Co and 17 others are implicated in the scam, with law enforcers actively tracking those still at large.

Government Crackdown on Corruption

These developments underscore the Philippine government's intensified efforts to combat corruption. The flood control scam, which involves an estimated 9,855 projects worth over ₱545 billion ($9.5 billion), has previously sparked widespread public protests demanding accountability. President Marcos Jr. has reiterated that there will be 'no special treatment' for those involved and warned against harboring fugitives.