Photo credit: Congress PH

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque broke his silence after the Philippine government issued a Red Notice request and canceled his passport—insisting he was never arrested and remains free in Amsterdam.

In a video message, Roque clarified that what happened at the airport was not an arrest but a routine offloading after he presented medical proof he was unfit to fly.

“Unang-una, hindi po ako inaresto,” he said. “Boluntaryo ang pagsama ko dahil masunurin ako. Tinanong lang ako kung gusto kong lumipad. Syempre hindi—mayroon akong dalawang medical certificates na unfit-to-fly. Kaya ako pinababa. Walang arestuhan.”

Roque then shifted to defending his long-standing advocacy for press freedom.

“Buong buhay ko inaalay ko sa karapatan ng malayang pamamahayag,” he said, adding that he has represented many clients in libel cases. “With freedom comes responsibility. At kung wala pang kumpirmasyon, huwag muna ibalita.”

“Malaya pa rin tayo dito sa Amsterdam”

In a follow-up update, Roque said he was prepared for the possibility that going home to Manila might immediately land him in detention, but prayers and public support encouraged him to stay positive.

“‘Yung kanina ang naisip ko na mukhang dire-diretso na ako sa Maynila, para ikulong ng mga bangag. Sabi ko, tatanggapin ko naman ito, kung ito talaga ang aking kapalaran,” he said. “Pero dahil sa panalangin at suporta ninyo… malaya pa rin po tayo dito sa Amsterdam.”

Roque thanked his supporters, promising he would repay their loyalty with even stronger public service.

“Yung ipinakitang pagmamahal at suporta, susuklian po natin ng mas matinding pagserbisyo,” he said.

As of now, Roque remains overseas and says he continues to move freely despite the government’s actions—while questions swirl over what comes next once he returns to the Philippines.