The Department of Justice (DOJ) has disclosed that certain government personnel assisted dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo in her illegal exit in the Philippines.
In a news forum, DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson, Mico Clavano, said the information surfaced as a result of the department’s investigation into Guo’s departure from the country.
Clavano added that the DOJ will soon release more findings from the investigation this month “unless” they receive more information as the probe develops further.
“Well, they also did not give a timeline, however… from the [DOJ] Secretary’s [Jesus Crispin Remulla] direction,—any actuation, it seems to be, perhaps this month. Although I cannot also guarantee that because if other factors or other facts come to light, then it may be moved,” he told reporters.
The official refused to name the government personnel who allegedly had a hand on Guo’s exit, noting that the dismissed mayor could not have plotted her escape alone.
“We’re not only looking at the possibilities of public officials aiding and abetting, but we’re also looking at the angle of private individuals as well,” Clavano said.
Clavano lamented that influential personalities are backing Guo’s attempt to evade law enforcement in the country.
“She could have not done this alone, she has so many networks and the POGO network is quite big. It’s quite large. There’s a web of these bosses, managers, supervisors that may be helping each other as well,” he said.
Clavano recalled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier pronouncement that “heads will roll” if any government officials are found to have aided in Guo's escape.
Guo reportedly left the Philippines on 18 July. She was apprehended in a townhouse in Tangerang City, Indonesia, and brought back to the country on 6 September.
She is currently facing a criminal complaint for her alleged ties to illegal POGO activities.