Harry Roque Denies Reported Arrest; Says He Is Traveling To Vienna

MANILA—Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on 25 November 2025 flatly denied rumors circulating that he had been arrested in the Netherlands, where he is currently seeking asylum, in connection with an outstanding human trafficking case in the Philippines.

"There is no truth to the rumors that I have been arrested," Roque declared in a post on his social media account. He added that his travel plans were moving forward, stating, "I have a scheduled flight to Vienna, Austria today, 25 November 2025."

The denial comes as Philippine government agencies expressed uncertainty over the situation.

In an ABS-CBN News report, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that no official communication confirming an arrest had been transmitted to his office. He noted, however, that the Interpol Red Notice issued against Roque by the Philippine government should provide Dutch authorities "cause to arrest him... and turn him over to Philippine authorities."

The alleged arrest reports became a point of inquiry during the Senate plenary deliberations earlier in the day regarding the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) proposed 2026 budget. Senate President Vicente Sotto III specifically asked the agency for confirmation.

Senator Imee Marcos, the budget sponsor for the DFA, responded that while the news was "breaking," the DFA was still "in the process of verifying as they've had no information from the Netherlands."

The Department of Justice (DOJ) likewise stated it has "not received any official communication" regarding the matter.