The spokesperson for previous Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is on the run and allegedly fled the country with the help of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Harry Roque faces allegations as part of a human trafficking complaint against the Lucky South 99 POGO authorities raided in June. He refutes all claims and is now in Abu Dhabi, where he plans to lodge a counter affidavit to try to clear his name.

Roque is in hot water after he didn’t provide documents to the government to show that his recent financial gains are legitimate.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) believes he exited the country illegally

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) believes he exited the country illegally, with Senator Risa Hontiveros speculating on Wednesday that “it’s possible that POGO actors helped him escape” as Dubai is a hub for many of these operations. He didn’t formally go through any ports as his name is on the BI’s watch list.

Lucky South 99’s complex was allegedly used for human trafficking, with Chinese army uniforms and mass graves found at the site. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced in July that all POGOs must leave the country by the end of 2024, claiming these operations are havens for crime and corruption.