Ex-PNP chief in possible bribery over Alice Guo case – official

Metro Manila, Philippines – A former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) may have taken bribes from ex-Mayor Alice Guo, a retired general said on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

During the Senate investigation into illegal offshore gaming operations, Gen. Raul Villanueva (ret.) said the intelligence community is validating suspicions that a former PNP chief was on the take to help Guo and other people. There were no names mentioned.

Guo is at front and center of a Senate inquiry due to her supposed involvement in crimes linked to offshore gaming.

“I don't know the exact kung anong pino-provide na support. But ‘yun lang naman nabanggit sa amin. But hindi pa na-confirm ‘yan kung talagang nagbigay or binigyan or tinanggap or may witnesses,” Villanueva told senators.

[Translation: I don’t know the exact support that is being provided. But that was just mentioned to us. The information has not yet been confirmed if he was given or has received money or if there are witnesses.]

Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the committee leading the probe, asked Villanueva if sitting government officials helped the former PNP chief in Guo’s exit from the country.

The retired general replied those who are on the “monthly payroll.”

“Despite all the lies and evasive statements thrown around during this hearing, one important point has emerged: That there is an allegation that no less than a former PNP chief is implicated in the escape of Guo Hua Ping,” Hontiveros said.

Officials of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said they have no information about the matter.

PBGen Raul Tacaca, PNP-CIDG deputy director for administration, said cases will be filed if police personnel involvement in bribery is found out.

Villanueva said he has no information if Guo bribed an army officer.

NICA Director Ferlo Silvio said the agency will prioritize looking into personalities that may have assisted Guo.

The Bureau of Immigration is also conducting an internal investigation on whether any of its employees or officials received ₱200 million from Guo to flee the country.

Guo supposedly escaped by sea and slipped past the immigration system.

Indonesian authorities arrested her on Sept. 3 and was turned over to the Philippine government.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.