Two cohorts of ex-Mayor Guo now in Congress’ custody

Metro Manila, Philippines – Two cohorts of controversial former mayor Alice Guo are now in the custody of Congress.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has turned over Guo’s sister Shiela and her business associate Cassandra Li Ong to the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, on Monday, Aug. 26.

Shiela was transferred to the Senate’s custody at 12:29 p.m. She has an arrest order issued by the upper chamber.

Meanwhile, the House assumed custody of Ong at 12:57 p.m. in accordance with a contempt order earlier issued by the lower chamber.

The two are set to attend a Senate hearing on Aug. 27 about supposed illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).

Shiela and Ong were apprehended by Indonesian authorities on Aug. 22. They were returned to the Philippine government on the same day.

Upon arriving, the two headed to the Bureau of Immigration for document processing. They were then turned over to the NBI for inquest.

Shiela, who was discovered to be a Chinese national named Zhang Mier, has an immigration violation. Ong, meanwhile, faced inquest due to obstruction of justice and violation of the Philippine Passport Act.

Authorities have yet to arrest Alice who is reported to be with them in Indonesia.