The Office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) has completed preparations for a detention facility within the Senate premises for suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, should she choose to surrender. The facility, formerly a daycare center, is now equipped with three bunk beds, a bathroom, air conditioning, a water dispenser, and a table.
Retired Lt. General Roberto Ancan, head of the OSAA, stated in an ABS-CBN News report that only female relatives of Guo would be permitted to stay with her. Male resource persons will be housed in a separate room, while Guo’s former accountant, Nancy Gamo, will be in another room. Ancan emphasized the importance of safety, noting that Guo’s detention area is adjacent to a Philippine National Police (PNP) detachment.
“Here I can assure her security 24/7. I’ve done it before. I was a commander before, and I assured the people within my area of responsibility that they are safe,” Ancan said.
The facility was specifically converted from a daycare center last year to accommodate detainees if needed. Guo and her family will be the first to use this facility if they surrender. There are also detention facilities available in the Senate basement.
Ancan assured that detainees would be comfortable and allowed visitors from 8 am to 5 pm. The Senate will provide meals three times a day, though detainees may bring their own food and beddings. A medical team will be on standby for any health needs. Detainees will also have the opportunity to go outside for a brief period in the morning for fresh air and sunlight.
Senate President Francis Escudero mentioned on Monday that he has ordered a review of guidelines on the use of gadgets by detainees, believing that they should be allowed since detention is not the same as imprisonment.
Of the eight individuals subject to arrest orders, only Gamo has been arrested and brought to the Senate. The others, including Mayor Guo, remain at large.