Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo wants to surrender but is hesitant due to safety concerns, her legal counsel, Atty. Stephen David, revealed. David said Guo expressed these fears during their last conversation on August 22, noting that both internal and external threats have made her cautious.
“Marami kasing threat, internal at saka external,” David explained, adding that Guo’s hesitation stems from a “50-50 chance” regarding her security. He emphasized in an ABS-CBN News report that Guo is not just worried about government entities but also other parties interested in her case.
David is optimistic that Guo may be convinced to surrender soon, especially now that she has observed the secure treatment of her sister, Shiela, who was arrested in Indonesia on August 21. “Nakikita naman niya yung security ni Shiela,” David said, suggesting that this might encourage Guo to trust the authorities.
In the meantime, the Bureau of Immigration is looking into reports that another sibling, Wesley, is in Hong Kong, though there has been no confirmed sighting. “We received information that he is in Hong Kong, but when we confirmed with Hong Kong authorities, wala siyang sighting doon,” said Bureau of Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval.
Despite the ongoing investigations and legal challenges, David stated that the Guo camp is prepared to face new money laundering charges filed by various government agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Anti Money Laundering Council. He also requested the Senate to release Shiela Guo from their custody, arguing that she was unfairly detained without proper notification.
The Guo family is also seeking evidence, such as photographs, to confirm reports that Alice Guo was seen in Jakarta, Indonesia, which would help alleviate the family’s concerns.
The Senate Subcommittee on Justice will continue its investigation on September 2 to understand how Alice Guo, Shiela Guo, and POGO representative Cassandra Li Ong were able to leave the Philippines.
