MANILA — Former Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has been moving between various exclusive locations, making it difficult for the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to apprehend him.
According to PNP-CIDG Director Police Major General Leo Francisco, Roque was spotted in an exclusive subdivision last Friday, but authorities were unable to arrest him in time.
The official admitted that accessing such areas, especially exclusive neighborhoods, poses a challenge for their team since entry isn’t always immediate.
“Binabantayan natin ito at sa kasamaang-palad noong Friday hindi nila ito naabutan. So nawawala na lang. So may mga impormasyon tayo na andun, pag dumarating yung ating mga tao dahil ito ay hindi kaagad natin napapasok. Ito ay exclusive na mga places. Talagang medyo nale-late yung ating mga personnel. So yun yung hindrance natin na or gap na na-experience sa paghahanap kay Atty. Harry. Roque,” Francisco explained.
Francisco emphasized that even a one-minute delay can significantly impact their operations, as Roque quickly leaves his residence before the police arrive.
“Yes, may mga exclusive subdivision kasi tayo dito na hindi basta basta nakakapasok ang private or police personnel. So kailangan pa ng reason bakit sila pupunta sa isang lugar. Madelay ka kasi ng 1 minuto malaking bagay na yun. Hindi siya nag-stay sa isang place. Sa ngayon minomonitor natin siya,” Francisco added.
The PNP-CIDG is now coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to verify if Roque has left the country.
“Nagrequest na kami sa BID ng travel record kung niya kung siya ay nakalabas or hindi. Yun lang hinihintay natin,” Francisco confirmed.