Probe on persons involved in Guo escape to come out soon - DOJ

Metro Manila, Philippines – Results of the investigation about the personalities involved in the escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo will come out soon, the Department of Justice said on Saturday, Sept. 7.

In a news forum, Justice Spokesperson Mico Clavano said while no specific timeline was set, it is likely that the probe will conclude this month.

“I also cannot guarantee that because if other factors or other facts come to light, it may be moved,” he said.

The Justice spokesperson said he is not privy yet as to how many officials are connected to Guo’s escape.

Clavano also said the DOJ is looking into the possible involvement of private individuals in the case.

“She could have not done this alone. Mayroon talaga siyang (she really has) network 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 said the department is exploring ways to strengthen border security and make sure similar incidents won’t happen again.

“There are 7,107 islands in the Philippines and we have one of the longest coastlines in the world as an archipelago. It is quite challenging but it’s not a challenge that cannot be overcome, of course, with the help of legislation, with the help of proper law enforcement,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier warned that “heads will roll" for officials who helped a dismissed mayor flee the country.

Guo returned to Manila on Sept. 6 after being arrested by Indonesian authorities early this week. She is currently in police custody in Quezon City after she refused to post bail for her graft and corruption charges.