The Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed it will seek help from the Interpol to serve the arrest warrant against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

A regional trial court in Angeles City, Pampanga issued a warrant of arre4st against Roque and 10 others on allegation of in connection with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the government will have to go through diplomatic channels and other diplomatic means available. Including seeking assistance with the Interpol.

“These are the remedies available for a country who is looking for the accused and who is no longer in the Philippines,” he said.

The DOJ filed qualified human trafficking and regular human trafficking cases against Roque for his alleged participation not just as a lawyer for Whirlwind Corporation that leased land to Lucky South 99, but as a supposed representative of the POGO.

Roque, who served two stints as former president Rodrigo Duterte’s Palace spokesman, left the Philippines in September after being cited for contempt for refusing to attend House hearings into offshore gambling sites used as fronts for criminal activities.

He has sought asylum in the Netherlands, citing alleged political persecution through unjust prosecution.

Clavano said the DOJ has to obtain jurisdiction over Roque and Cassandra Ong, alleged representative of Lucky South 99.

“Kailangan nating dalhin ang tao mismo doon sa korte. That is the only time na magkakaroon ng jurisdiction ang court over the person and that is the only time na pwedeng magsalita ang court doon sa trial niya,” noted Clavano.

“So kailangan muna i-obtain ang jurisdiction. Kung nasa ibang bansa siya, we would have to go through diplomatic channels to be able to get the person back here in the Philippines and finally face the charges,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malacanang rejected Roque’s claim that he is “a victim of political persecution by the Marcos government because I am an ally of the Dutertes.”