Metro Manila, Philippines – Harry Roque’s asylum application in Austria has been denied, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday, Sept. 15, but the former presidential spokesperson disputed this and called it “fake news.”
Remulla said Roque’s asylum application should be considered denied after the six-month period for processing had lapsed.
He said should Interpol issue a Red Notice against Roque, authorities would take him into custody.
Roque initially sought asylum, saying he felt “politically persecuted” in the country.
He is facing criminal cases, including charges of inciting to sedition and qualified human trafficking, which he has denied.
In a statement, Roque said his asylum application has been submitted for resolution and that he continues to await an official decision from Austrian authorities.
“Until the Austrian authorities themselves issue a decision on my application, claims that my asylum bid has already been denied are false and misleading,” he said.
