Alice Guo back in PH; fears for safety amid ‘death threats’

September 6, 2024 , 09:42 AM

By Bea Rollo

(September 6, 2024) — Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo was brought back to the Philippines on Friday after being captured in Tangerang City, Indonesia.

Guo, facing graft and corruption charges, is now in the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The former mayor, wearing an orange detainee uniform, was presented to the media shortly after landing.

She expressed concerns about death threats she said she has received.

“Meron akong death threat po at humingi ako ng tulong at masaya ako na nakita ko sila [authorities]. I feel safe po,” Guo said.

“Nag-request si Alice na kausapin kaming dalawa at sinabi niya nga na meron syang mga death threat at in-assure ko siya at ni PNP chief na ‘yung death threats ay ‘wag halalahanin,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos assured.

“Ang importante, sabihin n’ya ang totoo lahat wag syang matakot kung sino man mga taong ito at s’ya ay babantayan ng kapulisan.”

Abalos and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Rommel Marbil accompanied Guo on her return flight, with authorities from immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ensuring no special treatment was extended during her arrest.

Authorities immediately served her arrest warrant upon arrival and underwent standard booking procedures, including the reading of Miranda rights.

Moreover, Abalos clarified in a press conference that they had to book a private flight for Guo’s return due to a deadline set by Indonesian authorities. The deportation had to be expedited, which required her to be picked up by 1 a.m.

“Nakatangap ako ng tawag na binibigyan tayo ng ala-1 ng madaling araw ng Indonesian authorities na kung hindi ito uuwi ng Pilipinas, papakawalan nila si Alice Guo,” Abalos stated.

“Hindi tayo aabot sa flight— may kaibigan ako nagpahiram ng eroplano para habulin ito sa madaling paraan,” he added.

Abalos emphasized that the private plane used for her transport was provided without any cost to the government.

According to PNP, Guo will remain at the custodial facility in Camp Crame until she posts bail, set at ₱90,000. Guo can only be presented in the Senate for probe once the bail is settled.

(With reports from Gary de Leon)

(AAD)

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