By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros announced Thursday (21 Nov 2024) that former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, will be invited anew to the Senate’s probe into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
During the Kapihan sa Senado, Hontiveros confirmed that Guo, along with her co-accused Cassandra Li Ong, would still be invited to the POGO hearing set Tuesday (26 Nov 2024), next week.
“Kabilang pa rin po si Guo Hua Ping at yung iba niyang co-accused, sina Cassandra Li Ong. And of course, Tony Yang mula sa Cagayan de Oro, POGO Hub, at yung mag-ama na na-aresto naman dun sa Cebu POGO Hub,” she said when asked about Guo’s invitation.
The senator also mentioned that her committee aims to “tie up the loose ends” from the previous hearing.
“Balak po namin i-tie up yung loose ends na nabitin pa nung nakaraang hearing, including the explosive revelations from the Al Jazeera interview, which we followed up with a Zoom interview with someone who was with She Zhijiang in a Thai prison. And of course, there’s the mysterious figure of Mary Ann Maslog,” she added.
Guo faces several charges for her alleged involvement in POGOs operating in the country.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has decided not to run for public office in the 2025 midterm elections, specifically for the mayoral seat in Bamban.
“Haharapin ko po muna ‘yung mga accusations sa akin. Linisin ko po muna ang sarili ko. Para maging fair din para sa constituents ko na mahal na mahal ko,” Guo said.
During a hearing on Tuesday, Senator Joel Villanueva issued a warning that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) might be sponsoring political candidates.
Previously, Guo’s legal counsel, Atty. Stephen David, mentioned that his client was expected to file her Certificate of Candidacy on October 8, the last day of filing.
“Kailangan niyang tumakbo para ipakita niya talaga ‘yung pagmamahal niya sa taumbayan… Kung talagang gusto siya ng tao doon [sa Bamban], sila dapat ang humusga… kung siya ba ay karapat-dapat na manungkulan,” David said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice earlier stated they may oppose Guo’s COC.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – While the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is obligated to accept the certificate of candidacy (COC) of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated on Monday (07 Oct 2024) that they may still disqualify her from running for re-election.
Guo’s lawyer, Stephen David, previously mentioned that the detained mayor, facing charges related to illegal gambling hubs, would be filing her COC this week.
“Pagkatapos mai-file [ang kaniyang COC] saka namin pwedeng i-cancel, pwede siyang i-disqualify base sa mga umiiral na mga patakaran o ‘yung mga kinakaharap niyang problema,” Garcia said in an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
It’s worth noting that in August, the Ombudsman dismissed Guo for grave misconduct and barred her from returning to government service.
“Mayroon kaming inilabas na resolution dalawang linggo na ang nakakalipas. Sinabi namin sa resolution na ‘yan na ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na dinismiss, tinanggal sa pwesto, at may nakalagay na perpetually disqualified to hold public office, ay amin kaagad tatanggalin kapag nag-file ng certificates of candidacy,” Garcia emphasized.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo will still run for mayor in Tarlac, according to her legal counsel, Atty. Stephen David.
“Kailangan niyang tumakbo para ipakita niya talaga ‘yung pagmamahal niya sa taumbayan… Kung talagang gusto siya ng tao doon [sa Bamban], sila dapat ang humusga… kung siya ba ay karapat-dapat na manungkulan,” David said.
“Definitely, she will be running for mayor,” he added, explaining that the cases filed against her are not yet final.
David confirmed that Guo will be filing her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 8.
He also emphasized that the court has yet to release a decision regarding Guo’s citizenship.
“Wala namang desisyon ang courts as of now na hindi siya Pilipino,” he said.
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MANILA — Frustrated by her evasive answers and lack of cooperation, the House Quad Committee cited dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo in contempt on Thursday night, ordering her detention.
As of press time, the panel has yet to decide on Guo’s place of detention, pending clearance from the agency currently holding her in custody.
Guo is under investigation for alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and other criminal activities.
The joint panel, which is probing the rise of illegal POGO-related crimes, continues to deliberate on where Guo should be detained, given ongoing jurisdictional questions over her custody.
Guo remains under the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s custody due to human trafficking charges, along with a separate contempt order issued by the Senate.
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chair of the Quad Committee, approved the motion by Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano to cite Guo in contempt, under Section 11, Paragraph C of the House Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation.
“There is a motion to cite Alice Guo, a.k.a. Guo Hua Ping, in contempt. Are there any objections? Hearing none, the motion is approved,” Barbers declared.
In a follow-up motion, Paduano also moved that Guo be detained until the committee’s investigation is completed and its report is adopted by the plenary, a motion Barbers likewise approved.
During the hearing, Paduano, in support of Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Emerson Pascual’s interpellation, raised concerns about Guo’s refusal to post bail, despite the relatively low amount of ₱180,000.
He speculated that Guo deliberately avoided posting bail to remain at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“Hindi ka nag-bail kasi mas gusto mong naka-detain doon sa PNP custodial facility kaya hindi ka nag-bail. Ayan ang totoong kwento doon. Huwag na tayo maglokohan dito,” Paduano stated.
“Again, you’re lying. You’re fooling this country, you’re fooling the Filipino people,” he added.
Earlier in the hearing, the Quad Committee confirmed that Guo, a Chinese national, had exploited loopholes in the Philippine legal and identification systems to establish businesses suspected of ties to illegal syndicates.
At the center of multiple criminal investigations, Guo has drawn public outrage for her alleged role in human trafficking and illegal POGO operations.
She is accused of facilitating the entry of foreign workers, many of whom are believed to be involved in illegal activities such as prostitution and fraud, under the pretense of legal employment.
Authorities suspect Guo’s close ties to powerful syndicates operating within the country, and that her businesses may have served as fronts for various illicit operations.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Dong Calugay has denied having a romantic relationship with dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (also known as Guo Hua Ping), insisting they are just friends.
Calugay made this statement when questioned by senators regarding his alleged ties with Guo.
“Ah, hindi po,” the mayor responded when Senator Joel Villanueva asked if they were “lovers in POGO.”
When asked if they had any joint business ventures or shared bank accounts, he said, “Wala po, ni-isa po.”
Senator Risa Hontiveros further inquired about the nature of their friendship, asking, “Pakilarawan po, gaano ka-close ‘yung pagiging magkaibigan niyo?”
The mayor maintained that they were only friends.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Capas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 109 has assured Senator Risa Hontiveros that it will allow Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, to attend Senate hearings conducted by her panel.
“In connection therewith, this Court, in recognition of the Senate’s power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, assures the Honorable Senator that it shall continue to allow GUO HUA PING ALIAS ALICE LEAL GUO, who is in the custody of the Philippine National Police pending her posting of bail for the offenses charged — Violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 — to be brought before the Senate whenever required,” stated RTC Branch 109 Presiding Judge Sarah Vedaña-Delos Santos in a letter addressed to Hontiveros.
This assurance is subject to a prior request that does not conflict with scheduled hearings before the Court, and to limitations provided by law and relevant jurisprudence.
Earlier, Hontiveros requested that Guo be allowed to attend a hearing last Monday, which was granted.
The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality continues to investigate illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including those linked to Guo’s escape.
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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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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended Philippine authorities who took selfies with dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo after fetching her from Indonesia.
He described taking selfies as part of the new culture.
“I think it’s part of the new culture now— people taking selfies with anything. They post it online, saying ‘Look, I was with the team that arrested this person,'” Marcos said on Friday (September 6, 2024).
“In the Philippines, we are known as the selfie capital of the world, right? So they took selfies. You can’t stop people from smiling. They just took a selfie; I don’t think there’s much more to it,” the President added.
Earlier, the country’s law enforcement authorities faced criticism for taking selfies with Guo as they brought her back from Indonesia.
Guo arrived in the country on September 6 around 1:30 a.m.
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Chief General Rommel Marbil traveled to Indonesia for Guo’s turnover from foreign authorities to the Philippines.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Committee on Public Services Chairperson Sen. Raffy Tulfo announced on Thursday (Sept. 5, 2024) that dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is expected to arrive in the Philippines today at 6:18 PM.
Guo will be accompanied by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, PGen. Rommel Marbil.
“DILG Secretary Abalos is carrying the Senate-issued warrant of arrest to enforce it upon Guo’s arrival,” Tulfo stated.
“Guo is currently being processed by the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in preparation for her return to the Philippines,” he added.
The NBI had earlier confirmed that Guo would be turned over to the Senate after the Bureau of Immigration and NBI complete their procedures.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that all individuals implicated in assisting the escape of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo will be removed from their positions, with the government planning to file charges against them.
“Ang tanong ninyo sino ang sisibakin. Hindi lang namin sila sisibakin, kakasuhan pa namin sila dahil ang kanilang ginawa ay labag sa batas at against all the interest of the Filipino,” Marcos stated.
The President has not yet disclosed the identities or the number of individuals involved in Guo’s escape.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” he added.
Marcos also mentioned that the government is currently arranging Guo’s return to the country.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that Guo will be sent back to the Philippines “the soonest.”
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director, Jaime Santiago, announced on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, that dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is now in the custody of Indonesian authorities and will be sent back to the Philippines as soon as possible.
“Kaninang ala-una ng madaling araw ay nahuli na ng Indonesian police,” Santiago said in a radio interview.
When asked when Guo would be repatriated, Santiago responded, “The soonest. Ngayon o bukas pipilitin po natin. ‘Yan po ang order sa atin ni DOJ (Department of Justice) Secretary [Boying] Remulla.”
Upon her arrival, Guo will first be placed in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for an inquest regarding immigration violations. She will then be handed over to the NBI for her criminal liabilities, according to the NBI director.
Following these procedures, Guo will be turned over to the Senate.
Earlier, two of her companions, who were also arrested in Indonesia, were sent back to the Philippines and have already appeared before Senate and House panels investigating the issues surrounding illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following reports that former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has been arrested in Indonesia and will be deported soon to the Philippines, the House Quad Committee on Wednesday (04 Sept 2024) said it will invite the sacked local chief executive to shed light on her involvement with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and their connection to illegal drugs and human rights violations.
“For sure we are going to invite her to become one of our resource speakers,” House Quad Committee co-chair Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. said.
Guo was arrested by Indonesian authorities more than a month after her alleged escape from the Philippines where she is facing multiple complaints, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said.
He added that Guo was arrested in Tangerang City in the province of Banten.
“According to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police, Ms. Guo was apprehended at 11:58 PM on September 3, 2024,” a Department of Justice (DOJ) statement said.
Guo was in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri, the DOJ further said.
Santiago said Guo would be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the NBI.
“The arrest of Alice Guo is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice. We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said in a statement.
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Manila —The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Wednesday (04 Sept 2024) the arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.
According to a statement from the DOJ, Guo was apprehended on September 3 at 11:58 p.m., as confirmed by Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police. The DOJ further verified the arrest through its counterparts in Immigration, confirming that Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed the news, emphasizing that Guo’s arrest showcases the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies and the power of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.
“We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed. The DOJ is committed to pursuing justice and will continue to coordinate closely with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the necessary legal procedures,” Remulla stated.
Guo is under investigation for her alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and has also faced scrutiny regarding her citizenship status. Despite being subject to an immigration lookout bulletin, Guo managed to leave the Philippines on July 18. She reportedly traveled to Malaysia, arrived in Singapore on July 21, and reached Indonesia on August 18.
In a related development, Guo’s sister, Shiela, and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were previously arrested in Indonesia and have already been extradited to the Philippines. During a Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, Shiela admitted that she had left the country with the dismissed mayor by boat.
The DOJ continues to pursue legal action against Guo and her associates, reaffirming its commitment to bringing them to justice.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian stated that it is the “end of the road” for Shiela Guo and Cassandra Li Ong, urging both to disclose information to the Senate panel regarding the establishment of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.
“It’s the end of the road for them. We have documents that will connect both of them to the POGO hubs in Porac and Bamban,” Gatchalian said on Monday, August 26, 2024.
“This is the end of the road; there’s nowhere else for them to go. It would be better if they revealed how these POGO hubs were set up in Porac and Bamban,” the senator added.
Earlier that afternoon, the Senate took custody of Guo from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Guo, along with Ong, is scheduled to appear at a Senate hearing on Tuesday, August 27, according to Senate spokesperson Atty. Arnel Jose Bañas.
The Senate medical team has already examined Guo to ensure her physical and mental well-being.
Meanwhile, Ong is currently in the custody of the House of Representatives.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo remains in Batam, Indonesia, where her two companions were captured, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
“We coordinated with our partners in Indonesia last night, and according to their information, Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, is still in Batam,” PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio said in a radio interview on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Sheila Guo, Alice’s sister, and Cassandra Li Ong, associated with Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, have been taken into custody by Indonesian authorities and subsequently sent back to the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Casio mentioned that they received information about Wesley Guo, Alice’s brother, attempting to travel to Hong Kong. The PAOCC is verifying with Hong Kong authorities whether Wesley successfully entered the country.
“We received information that he tried to fly to Hong Kong, so we’re confirming with our counterparts in Hong Kong if Wesley Guo made it there,” the PAOCC spokesperson said.
Casio added that the Guo siblings are unable to return to China, as they are also persons of interest there. The former mayor faces charges of qualified trafficking related to her alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“Alice Guo has been charged in the Philippines with qualified trafficking for operating a large POGO. Since gambling is prohibited in China, it would be a bigger problem for her if she is held accountable there,” the PAOCC spokesperson said.
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MANILA — The skies over Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were a mix of dusky clouds and fading light on Thursday (22.Aug 2024) afternoon as a plane touched down on the tarmac.
This was no ordinary flight—it carried passengers whose arrival would send ripples through the corridors of power, further complicating the controversial investigation into irregularities involving the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Among the 183 passengers were two women at the heart of this growing controversy: Sheila Guo, the sister of ousted Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Leal Guo, and Cassandra Li Ong, a young business partner ensnared in the same scandal.
Sheila, 40, and Ong, 24, had been apprehended in Jakarta, Indonesia, just a day earlier. Escorted by four Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents, their return was anything but routine.
Behind the scenes, careful preparations were made to ensure their journey back to the Philippines was tightly controlled.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago, who personally monitored the situation at NAIA, emphasized that the two would be handled “like ordinary passengers.”
Yet, the presence of high-ranking officials like BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco suggested otherwise—this was a high-stakes operation, with much more at play than mere protocol.
Upon arrival, Sheila Guo appeared frail, requiring a wheelchair after a reported fall at the Immigration area.
The tension was palpable as the women were discreetly moved from the airport to the BI headquarters in Manila.
Their final destination for the day: the NBI office in Quezon City, where criminal charges awaited them. These charges, however, are only the beginning.
Sheila’s story is deeply intertwined with that of her sister, the former mayor who is now a fugitive.
Allegations swirl that Sheila aided Alice’s escape from authorities, while Ong is under fire for her role in Lucky South 99, a POGO hub that was illegally operating in Pampanga.
The recent raid on the POGO site has opened a Pandora’s box, revealing layers of corruption and complicity.
For those who witnessed their arrival, a little past 5 in the afternoon, it was clear that these women represent more than just the latest chapter in a political scandal.
They are key figures in a narrative that touches on power, family loyalty, and the blurred lines between legality and influence in the Philippines.
As their cases unfold, the nation watches, waiting to see what secrets might emerge when they testify at the resumption of legislative investigations.
Their story is far from over—it is only just beginning. Meanwhile, the main figure in the ongoing POGO saga, Alice Guo, remains at large. Some speculate she is now in Singapore, though her lawyer insists she has not left the country.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for the swift cancellation of the passport of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, following a memorandum from Malacañang directing the relevant agencies to take action.
“The DFA is not lagging. I have information that the Philippine passports of Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Leal Guo, along with Sheila Leal Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, and Catherine Cassandra Li Ong, have already been reported to the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime – Interpol for appropriate action. The matter has been escalated to Interpol,” said Hontiveros, who leads the investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The senator also supported President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s statement on holding those responsible for Guo’s escape accountable.
“That’s to be expected. We should hear from the chief executive if any executive agencies were negligent or, worse, complicit in the escape of Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping,” Hontiveros stated.
“There must be accountability. That’s the principle of transparency and accountability,” she emphasized.
The continuation of the hearing on these matters is scheduled for August 27.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public on Wednesday (21 Aug 2024) that the government personnel who may have assisted the departure of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo will be held accountable.
“The departure of Alice Guo has exposed the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust,” Marcos stated.
“Let me be clear: heads will roll,” the President emphasized.
Guo faces allegations of involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, as well as issues regarding her citizenship.
Marcos also noted that the government is conducting a full-scale investigation and that “those responsible will be suspended and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“There is no room in this government for anyone who places personal interest above serving the Filipino people with honor, integrity, and justice,” the Chief Executive said.
Guo reportedly left the Philippines on July 18 using her Philippine passport, traveling first to Singapore and then to Indonesia.
Malacanang has already ordered the cancellation of Guo’s Philippine passport along with her siblings.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – A fuming lawmaker on Tuesday (20 Aug 2024) said “heads must roll” in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) following reports that dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has slipped the country.
In a press conference, House Committee on Muslim Affairs chairman and Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo aired belief that Guo could not escape without the aid of “corrupt” Immigration officers.
“She just arrived in Indonesia the other day…August 18,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed in an interview on ANC.
On Tuesday (20 August 2024), the BI said the Bureau of Immigration said Guo arrived in Indonesia over the weekend and could have bypassed travel checks.
It added that Guo, who was accused of facilitating the operation of an illegal POGO hub, first headed to Malaysia and Singapore in July before traveling to Indonesia via Batam island.
For his part, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo wants DFA to cancel Guo’s PH passport “immediately”.
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