The Philippines’ Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a travel lookout bulletin order (LBO) for former presidential speaker Harry Roque and 11 others.
According to news reports, the LBO was issued against Roque and the other respondents. This follows preliminary information which showed that another person being investigated for links in Philippines Overseas Gaming Operators (POGO) syndicates, Cassandra Lee Ong, managed to leave the country.
“We can confirm that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order has been issued by the Department of Justice to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). There are 12 names there.”
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano was quoted in a press interview.
“This does not restrict their right to travel, but it means the BI and the DOJ are immediately informed if they leave or arrive in the country,” he added.
An LBO is issued when individuals undergoing investigation are considered a flight risk and the relevant authorities need to be informed of their current whereabouts.
“A precautionary hold departure order will likewise be filed at the Office of the Executive Judge pending preliminary investigation,” Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla stated.
Roque, however, denied planning to leave the country, saying he would “face any charges regarding his alleged links with POGOs.”
Roque was named by PAGCOR as one of the officials allegedly being linked to the raided POGO hub Lucky South 99. He was allegedly with Lee Ong when they visited the regulatory body, seeking to settle the unpaid arrears of the firm.
