Abu Dhabi: Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. has officially denied the human trafficking allegations made against him through a counter-affidavit reportedly originating from Abu Dhabi, as confirmed by the Department of Justice.

According to Philippines News Agency, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon mentioned that Roque’s counter-affidavit was submitted by a defense lawyer during a preliminary investigation and was notarized by Apostille through the Abu Dhabi embassy. An Apostille certifies the authenticity of a public document’s origin and is recognized by countries participating in the Apostille Convention.

“A counter-affidavit was submitted by the lawyers of Harry Roque. It would appear that he had a document which was notarized pero dun siya sa (but he is in) Abu Dhabi. So, the panel opted to give the respondent a chance to call for a clarificatory hearing which would be scheduled anytime between now and the 16th of December. The purpose is to clarify certain issues and find out
really where Mr. Harry Roque is at this point in time,” Fadullon stated.

On October 28, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) accused Roque and two others of involvement in the operations of the Lucky South 99 Corporation. This Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub was raided in Porac, Pampanga.

In a supplemental complaint filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Roque, alongside Mercides Macabasa and Ley Tan, was added to the list of accused, initially filed against Cassandra Li Ong and 53 others in September for violating Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended.

Roque has called for the dismissal of the complaint, arguing that his inclusion in the Supplemental Complaint Affidavit was a ‘mere afterthought.’ He elaborated in his 22-page counter-affidavit that neither he nor the corporations Whirlwind Corporation and Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, Inc
. had engaged in any actions of trafficking or qualified human trafficking.

Roque further stated there is no evidence of his involvement in trafficking activities, such as recruiting, transporting, or harboring individuals, nor any conspiracy. Additionally, he defended his presence at a meeting with PAGCOR executives, asserting it was for legitimate purposes related to the financial issues of Lucky South 99 and not linked to any illicit activities.