Guo denied extended quarantine

The Bureau of Corrections has denied the request of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and two others to remain in the quarantine area of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) for an additional 55 days, as BuCor officials also pushed back against reports that Guo has been receiving preferential treatment.

BuCor director general Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said the quarantine period for Guo, Jaimielyn Cruz and Rachelle Joan Carreon ended Thursday, five days after their transfer from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to the CIW on 6 December. 

Catapang ordered CIW Superintendent CT/Supt. Marjorie Ann Sanidad to move the three to the regular dormitory at the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC), where all newly committed inmates undergo mandatory orientation, diagnostic evaluation, and classification.

Catapang said the RDC’s 55-day assessment phase is essential for determining the physical and psychological needs of inmates and in crafting individualized treatment plans. 

After completing the RDC process, the three women — all serving life sentences — will be assigned to dormitories at the Maximum Security Camp.

Guo, Cruz and Carreon earlier wrote Catapang asking to stay longer in quarantine, saying that they needed time to adjust to their new environment and citing the emotional and mental strain brought on by their circumstances. 

Sanidad recommended the denial of the request.

Catapang on Thursday also addressed circulating reports alleging that Guo was receiving special treatment while in detention, calling the claims baseless. 

He said Guo is subject to the same restrictions as all inmates and remains under mandatory quarantine.

Sanidad likewise denied the allegations, saying that only Guo’s lawyers have been allowed to visit her in accordance with health and security protocols. 

CIW records showed that lawyers Nicole Jamilla visited from 6 to 9 December; Romar Cambri on 8 December; and Marc Lester Mamuri and Cheska Mhey de la Paz on 10 December.

Sanidad emphasized that personal cellphones are prohibited for inmates, staff, and visitors, countering claims that Guo had a phone. The RDC quarantine area is under the same restrictions.

Catapang said the clarification was issued following unverified reports that Guo was visited over the weekend by two “Chinese-looking” men on four separate occasions.