By Gabriel Kim Leal
(May 20, 2024) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday directed the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to assess the potential removal of the deputization power of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
Last week, the DILG recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman to issue a preventive suspension order against Guo amid investigations of her alleged links to an illegal offshore gaming hub in Bamban.
“I have instructed NAPOLCOM to initiate proceedings for the withdrawal of the mayor’s deputization. Ibig sabihin nito, pagkatapos nga ng imbestigasyon nito, of course, may sufficient grounds, we would withdraw the deputization of Mayor Guo,” said DILG secretary Benhur Abalos in a media conference.
Under NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 99-010, governors and mayors are automatically deputized to represent the commission, giving them authority to supervise and control police units in their areas, including employing and deploying Philippine National Police (PNP) elements.
Abalos clarified that the DILG does not have the authority to suspend or remove local officials from office.
“Kaklaruhin ko lang ‘yun kasi people are expecting (us to suspend or remove Guo) kaya ang ginawa namin dito, nag-task force kami at nirekomenda namin ito,” added Abalos.
Guo won the mayoral seat in the 2022 elections despite being an unknown candidate.
The DILG formed a task force to conduct an investigation and submit to the Office of the Ombudsman a fact-finding report, which found Guo to be connected to illicit activities.
“Since it is with the Ombudsman, hindi namin puwedeng idetalye kung ano exactly ‘yung findings namin. Pero we can say, in general, that we found very serious legal implications,” said DILG undersecretary Lord Villanueva.
ALSO READ: Netizens hit Comelec amid controversies hounding Bamban Mayor Guo
The Senate is investigating Guo for allegedly being an “asset” of China and her links to Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated, which was raided last March.
(PM)
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