Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that he has stopped communicating with Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco after the latter failed to promptly disclose the timing of the escape of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo from the Philippines.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Remulla expressed frustration over Tansingco’s delay in notifying him about Guo’s departure. “Kasi nung nangyari ito, hindi naman niya ako sinabihan agad eh. Marahil alam niya na matagal ‘yan bago ko nalaman. Kaya hindi na kami nag-uusap,” Remulla stated. He added that such behavior was unacceptable, saying, “Hindi tama ‘yung ganung klaseng asal.”
Concerns were previously raised by the Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights regarding the Bureau of Immigration’s delay in relaying information about Guo’s escape to the Department of Justice. Tansingco admitted during a sub-committee hearing that although the bureau was informed of Guo’s escape by the Philippine National Police Intelligence group on August 15, they did not confirm or relay this information until Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed the escape on August 19. The Justice department was informed a day later on August 20.
Remulla also highlighted potential involvement of immigration officials in facilitating Guo’s escape, likening the situation to the 2020 “Pastillas Scheme.” He stated, “May suspicion tayo na some immigration people are involved,” suggesting that some personnel might have assisted Guo in leaving the country. “Nagpupuslit papasok parang ‘pastillas gang’ at nagpupuslit sila palabas. Kaya alam natin meron talagang gumagawa niyan sa Immigration, ‘yun ang ating titingnan,” Remulla added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has since announced that the government is finalizing arrangements for Guo’s return to the Philippines, following her arrest in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia. She was apprehended late on September 3, according to the Department of Justice.
Upon her return, Guo will face multiple charges in different courts and before Congress, including issues related to her nationality and her alleged connections to a raided Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Bamban.