The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Tuesday that it has received unverified reports that Harry Roque, former presidential spokesperson, has already left the Philippines.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago commented on Roque’s situation after Vice President Sara Duterte made hints during a late-night press conference on Saturday, suggesting that Roque, who was ordered arrested by the House of Representatives, might have escaped the country.
During an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Santiago was asked about Roque’s supposed departure, saying, “That is the information we have, but we cannot confirm as of yet.”
On September 13, the House Quadruple Committee (QuadComm) found Roque in contempt and ordered him imprisoned for allegedly failing to supply documents relating to a dramatic increase in his wealth.
Roque had assured that he would submit documents shedding light on his family’s Biancham business, that said to be at ₱125,000 in 2014 to ₱3.125 million in 2015, and then to ₱67.7 million in 2018.
In light of the contempt and arrest orders, Roque has accused Congress of “power tripping,” saying their actions against him were based on his alleged connections to illegal operations involving Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
As of writing, Roque’s exact location has remained unconfirmed.
