MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) disclosed that former Presidential Spokesperson Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr. may have left the Philippines through unauthorized means but Roque countered that he has no hold departure order, which legally permits him to travel abroad.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that a review of immigration records showed no recent attempts by Roque to leave the country through official channels.  

The agency noted that Roque’s last documented travel was in July, when he returned to the Philippines from Los Angeles. 

In September, authorities speculated that the former presidential spokesperson had left the Philippines, although no concrete evidence of his escape surfaced.  

There were also suspicions that Roque might be hiding in Mindanao, prompting law enforcement to launch a manhunt operation against the former official. 

“Flight is evidence of guilt.  He likely left the country via illegal means, possibly aided by unscrupulous individuals,” said Viado in a statement Tuesday.

The BI said that Roque has reportedly submitted a counter-affidavit from Abu Dhabi in response to a qualified human trafficking case filed against him.  

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that Roque’s legal troubles may escalate, as the agency is considering filing additional charges related to his alleged illegal departure.  

However, Roque dismissed allegations of illegal travel, stating that fleeing a politically charged Congressional contempt is not evidence of wrongdoing. He emphasized his right to travel, citing the absence of a hold departure order.

“Flight from a heavily politicized Congressional contempt cannot be the evidence of anything.  Let me reiterate that I have no hold departure order and have the right to travel,” said in a statement Wednesday.

Viado said that Roque may have falsified immigration clearances to facilitate his acceptance into his destination country. The BI is now exploring potential charges, including falsification of public documents and other possible violations. 

“It’s impossible that he left via formal ports.  His name is in the BI’s Lookout Bulletin, and he is a very well-known public figure.  You can spot him miles away,” said Viado.  

The commissioner likewise said that formal entry and exit points in the country, particularly major international ports equipped with CCTV surveillance, are well-guarded, making it unlikely for Roque to have used these channels to leave.

Viado said that the bureau will coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to gather more information about Roque’s alleged travel.

Roque was cited in contempt and ordered detained by the House Quadruple Committee on September 13 after refusing to provide documents that could allegedly justify his sudden increase in wealth.