Filipinos in Europe condemned Harry Roque for his recent statement of plans to seek asylum or sanctuary in The Netherlands. Roque, former spokesperson of Rodrigo Duterte, recently surfaced in The Netherlands to act as a lawyer for Duterte to face the case of crimes against humanity in the International Criminal Court.

Roque has been hiding overseas for several months to evade the arrest warrant Congress issued against him in September 2024. He evaded Congress’ summons to the hearing related to his involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations or POGO. Congress included in its investigation his involvement in human trafficking related to an illegal POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“Asylum or seeking sanctuary is a fundamental right granted to individuals facing genuine political persecution. It is not a shield for enablers of state terrorism and human rights violators in their attempt to evade accountability,” said Filipino Refugees in Europe (FREE), an organization of political refugees in Europe.

“As Duterte’s spokesperson, Roque played a central role in justifying and defending the extrajudicial killing spree under the so-called war on drugs,” according to FREE. “His complicity has contributed to the very climate of impunity that forced many Filipinos, including members of FREE, to flee their homeland in fear for their lives.”

According to the group, The Netherlands is already a sanctuary for many Filipinos who were persecuted by fascist regimes. Giving sanctuary to someone like Roque who advocated for Duterte and his crimes against humanity is antithetical to the principles of giving sanctuary.

The group Pinay sa Holland-Gabriela viewed Roque’s statement as “ridiculous” and a “media stunt” to subvert the gross abuses of power he committed as Duterte’s spokesperson.

The group called Roque’s pursuit of asylum “cowardice” that only highlights the difference between the ruling class and the poor sectors in the Philippines. The group’s call: Send Roque home!

Meanwhile, FREE called on the Dutch government and the Dutch people to reject Roque’s petition once he files it.

“He is not worthy of protection, as he was never in danger for defending human rights–rather, he was an enabler of crimes against humanity,” according to FREE. “It is not persecution but justice, catching up with him. He must face accountability, not escape it.”