Roque no longer in The Hague as asylum process begins

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said he is no longer in The Hague, Netherlands, as he formalizes his asylum process.

In a Facebook live video, Roque said he is in a facility for asylum seekers.

"Ako po ngayon ay isa nang asylum seeker, ang inaantay ko na lang po ay ang interview bilang unang bahagi ng asylum process," said Roque.

(Translation: I am now an asylum seeker, and I am just waiting for the interview as the first step in the asylum process.)

The former Palace official said he is staying four hours away from The Hague by train.

"Hindi naman po kami naka-detena, pwedeng lumabas. Nanggaling na ko ng grocery, mga kalahating oras," he added.

[Translation: I am not detained, I am allowed to go out. I already went to the grocery, it took about half an hour].

Roque said he will undergo registration, fingerprinting, a medical examination, an interview with the Dutch police, and a first interview. He added that since he is already an applicant, he is now entitled to “non-refoulement.”

The "non-refoulement principle" ensures that no one is returned to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

"Hindi na ko pwedeng mapabalik sa bansang aking inalisan dahil sa persecution at iyan ay sa bansang Pilipinas," he added.

[Translation: I can no longer be sent back to the country I left due to persecution, and that is the Philippines.]

Roque said the charges against him in relation to the raided offshore gaming operations in Porac, Pampanga have no solid evidence.

Duterte defense team

The former presidential spokesperson added that he will follow the decision of Vice President Sara Duterte regarding the defense team of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing murder charges for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"Susunod po ako kay Vice President Sara, walang halong kaplastikan," he added.

[Translation: I will follow Vice President Sara, and I say that with sincerity]

British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman will lead Duterte’s defense, with more lawyers experienced in ICC cases expected to join. Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will step aside once the defense team is finalized.