The service of the arrest warrant on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque may be delayed due to his asylum application in the Netherlands, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) official.
DOJ Chief State Counsel and Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit Head Dennis Arvin Chan told reporters that the refugee application must be completed first. He noted that it will take precedence over all other proceedings.
“It can be processed already. As to how it will be implemented, that is up to the Netherlands authorities on how they will treat it,” Chan explained.
He added that the pending asylum application must be resolved with finality before the arrest warrant can be served.
Meanwhile, Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said they are already exploring options and preparing the necessary documentation.
“Interpol is an obvious option. Yet, upon discussion with DOJ international law experts, there are many more options we can also utilize,” he told reporters.
