The Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has again weighed in on the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, stating that the investigation into her departure from the country is “almost finished”.
According to the nation’s news agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. indicated he had a “very good idea” of who had helped the “POGO Mayor” leave the Philippines, indicating they would be identified “and we will act very quickly”.
Individuals to be held accountable include immigration personnel, while indicating that the final part of the investigation involved seeing whether it was individuals or a syndicate who had helped Guo in her departure.
Guo was reportedly most recently in Indonesia, as of August 18th. A report by the nation’s Bureau of Immigration, cited by Philstar, indicates that Guo is still in Indonesia but has plans to go to the Golden Triangle. A BI official indicated that “mayor Alice Guo has not yet made an attempt to cross the border again, since she last entered (Indonesia).”
A Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) representative had previously indicated Guo’s target of the Golden Triangle was due to reported business and gambling interests in Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Shiela Guo told senators on Tuesday that she, her brother and her sister had left the country by boat, leaving Bamban by van then transferring on various ships to reach Sabah, Malaysia.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) says the three Guo siblings – Alice, Shiela and Wesley did not leave by any public port.
Given the testimonies, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, presiding over the inquiry, has called for more hearings.
Meanwhile, the Commission of Elections (Comelec) has granted a request by Alice Guo for a 10-day extension of a deadline for a counter-affidavit for a complaint against her, noting that “if they request for another extension, I don’t think it is proper anymore. It is enough that they were given at least one chance”.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia, however questioned whether her counter-affidavit would have a valid signature, sworn before a public notary – noting it would not be accepted if she fails to appear and have the document notarized.
The case originates from claims Guo falsely represented herself on her certificate of candidacy for the May 2022 polls.
Alice Guo is facing serious criminal charges, including violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Further cases are being pursued related to her alleged involvement in POGO operations.
