Former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque is applying for political asylum in the Netherlands, citing political persecution in the Philippines among the grounds.
Roque plans to stay in the Netherlands to defend detained former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I am formally filing for asylum here in the Netherlands,” Roque said.
“As soon as my application is received, I will have the right to Non-refoulement.” Non-refoulement is a fundamental principle of international law that prohibits a country from deporting or returning a person to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened, particularly based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion.
Roque, who was tapped to defend Duterte, hopes the Dutch government will grant his request.
If approved, Roque will receive temporary residency rights to stay in the country.
The Netherlands previously served as a country of asylum for the late Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
(Harry Roque photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.