By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros reminded Philippine law enforcement authorities not to treat the arrest of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo as a “social event.”
Hontiveros remarked after photos surfaced online showing authorities seemingly taking selfies with Guo.
“Isang paalala sa ating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno, hindi dapat ginagawang social event ang pag-aresto sa isang puganteng sangkot sa patong-patong na kaso ng human trafficking, money laundering, fake identity, gross misconduct, illegal recruitment, detention, at corruption,” the senator said in a statement.
Hontiveros also criticized Guo’s behavior during her turnover from Indonesian to Philippine authorities, noting that she was seen flashing a ‘peace sign’ and smiling in the photos.
“We want answers, not a photoshoot. Matapos nyang makipag-taguan sa batas, ginawa pang fan-meet ni Alice Guo ang pagkakaaresto niya. Kulang na lang, red carpet,” Hontiveros said.
“Tingnan natin kung gaano siya ka-photogenic sa hearing sa Lunes. Unli-pictures siya doon,” the lawmaker added sarcastically.
Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos stated that he was unaware the ex-mayor posed for a photo.
“Nag-request si Alice na kausapin kami ni Chief, at sinabi talaga na may death threats siya. In-assure ko siya na ‘wag niyang alalahanin ang death threats. Ang importante, sabihin niya ang totoo, lahat,” Abalos explained.
“Pina-document namin para malinaw ito. Hindi ko naman alam kung anong ginagawa niya—nakatingin ako sa camera,” he added.
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