MANILA – Lawyer Harry Roque branded the immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) issued against him and 11 others in connection to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga as “plain harassment.”
According to former presidential spokesperson, the move was aimed at silencing him for criticizing the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“This political witch hunt is intended to silence me as a critic of this administration,” Roque said in a statement. “There is no reason to leave the Philippines. I will face my accusers and answer all allegations related to offshore gaming.”
According to a report by GMA News, an ILBO was issued against Roque, Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of the Porac POGO hub; and former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, among others.
“Considering the gravity of the possible charges, as well as the wide media coverage and public attention this has gained over the past months, there is a strong possibility that the above mentioned nationals may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of the legal processes of this Department by leaving the country,” the Department of Justice said in the order.
“Hence, we deem the issuance of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against the subject persons in order to at least monitor the itineraries of their flight, travel, and/or whereabouts,” it added.
However, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano explained that an ILBO is only a “monitoring mechanism” and does not prevent Roque from leaving the country.
“Hindi naman siya ibig sabihin na hindi pwedeng umalis ang taong under investigation. Ang ibig sabihin lang, maa-alert ang Immigration authorities kung lalabas or papasok dito sa bansa,” Clavano said./PN
