‘Heads will roll’: Marcos warns people behind Guo exit

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to hold accountable people who helped a dismissed controversial mayor to flee the country.

In a stern statement released Wednesday, Aug. 21, the president, confirming earlier remarks of concerned officials about former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s whereabouts, issued a rebuke and warning.

“The departure of 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗼 has laid bare the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust. 𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥: 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹,” the president said.

“There is no room in this government for anyone who places personal interest above serving the Filipino people with honor, integrity and justice,” he said.

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed a disclosure by Sen. Risa Hontiveros that Guo has left for Malaysia then to Singapore.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said their system did not track the former mayor’s exit. The Justice Department, which has supervision over the bureau, has issued an immigration lookout bulletin on Guo.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has directed the justice and foreign affairs departments to cancel Guo’s passport.

Before the president’s confirmation, Guo’s legal counsel maintained that the ex-mayor is still in the country.

Law enforcement agencies are hunting down Guo who is facing a Senate investigation on her supposed link to an illegal offshore gaming operation in her town which allegedly committed human trafficking and serious illegal detention.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.