By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(September 6, 2024) – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday defended the actions of its personnel after posing for cheerful pictures with dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo.
NBI director Jaime Santiago claimed that government officials were simply happy after Indonesia handed over Guo to the Philippines without any conditions.
“Tuwang-tuwa sila (dahil) finally, ito hawak na namin (si Guo). ‘Yung kasiyahan ng mga tao, vindication ‘yun,” said Santiago.
He also apologized to individuals offended by the selfies taken with Guo, reiterating that it was an emotional moment for the NBI operatives.
“Ni-reprimand ko sila na ‘wag na mauulit ito, otherwise sanctions shall be imposed,” added Santiago.
Seeking explanations regarding the behavior, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will issue a show-cause order for officials of the NBI and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) who took selfies with Guo.
“It was inappropriate to post those pictures but it was a moment that was, I guess, that we could be proud of. But again, the job is not yet done,” said DOJ assistant secretary Mico Clavano. “The (DOJ) secretary (Boying Remulla) was also quite frustrated na ito ‘yung naging focus ng operation.”
Netizens have criticized government officials, including Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil for their “celebrity treatment” of Guo despite her links to criminal activities.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros also echoed the sentiment, reminding the public that Guo is an alleged human trafficker.
The disgraced mayor arrived in the Philippines on Friday after being arrested in Indonesia. She left the Philippines last July 18 and traveled across Southeast Asia to evade arrest.
ALSO READ: Alice Guo back in PH; fears for safety amid ‘death threats’
She is facing graft, money laundering, and human trafficking charges due to her alleged involvement in Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga.
ALSO READ: PAOCC tags Bamban Mayor Guo as ‘primary enabler’ of raided POGOs
Santiago, meanwhile, revealed that the NBI received information that Guo’s alleged brother, Wesley Guo, is considering surrendering.
(With reports from Elaine Fulgencio, Camille Samonte, News5)
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