First on NewsWatch Plus: Malaysia shared information with PH on Alice Guo case

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Malaysian government has shared initial information with the Philippines regarding the case of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, its ambassador said.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said both countries exchanged information on Guo when she fled the country to evade arrest.

Guo reportedly reached Malaysia through a backdoor exit in Tawi-Tawi.

"We have provided initial information on the case. Of course, we are working with all agencies to see how else we could cooperate with the Philippine government on the investigation," the Malaysian top diplomat in the country said.

"Yes, we cooperated, we will continue to cooperate in matters involving security and transnational crime. There was information shared among the other agencies with the PNP (Philippine National Police), with Immigration, NBI (National Bureau of Investigation)," he added when asked if the Malaysian government cooperated in any way on the Guo case.

The ambassador said Kuala Lumpur also looked for more information when the case of Guo reached Malaysia before her arrest in Indonesia.

"But we have given initial information," he added.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a forum on Wednesday that Malaysia refused to provide information on Guo’s escape.

“The case of Alice Guo is a very peculiar case kasi [because] Malaysia refused to cooperate with us. Malaysia is supposed to give us information,” Remulla said.

“They know what flight entered, what aircraft entered, where she was riding, but they refused to give it to us for some reasons that were alluded to about the cases of our brothers in the south,” he said.

Asked if he referred to Sabah, Remulla said yes but did not elaborate.

Remulla said that even with help from the Department of Foreign Affairs, they “have faced a stonewall.”

“That’s why, hopefully, Senator (Risa) Hontiveros will find it in her heart of hearts to understand the dilemma that the BI (Bureau of Immigration) is facing,” the justice secretary said.

The Malaysian envoy said he respected Remulla’s position.

"The secretary has his position, but we will - of course we have ours, we are partners, we are both ASEAN - we will continue to support in every way we can," he added.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission reported that Guo entered Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, in July, then proceeded to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but the exact exit point in the Philippines could not be determined.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency also mentioned that aside from Tawi-Tawi, Palawan could be another possible exit point for Guo.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado explained that the country has 14 international ports of entry and exit, and all terminal heads have certified under oath that Guo did not pass through their terminals.

He also noted the challenges of securing these areas, citing that the bureau has only 16 personnel in its fugitive search unit.

NewsWatch Plus Senior Correspondent Eimor Santos and Multi-platform Producer Jelo Mantaring contributed to this report.