A senator called for accountability on Tuesday over the alleged escape of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who managed to leave the Philippines despite facing a warrant for her arrest. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed disbelief that Guo, who is linked to illegal offshore gaming operations in the same town where she served as mayor, was able to exit the country without any trace in immigration records.
Gatchalian stressed that it was “shocking” that authorities only discovered Guo’s departure a month after she had already left. He raised concerns about possible collusion within airport and government agencies that might have facilitated her escape.
“Nakakahiya itong nangyari sa atin dahil hindi lang sa Pilipinas pinapanood itong issue sa POGO at kay Guo Hua Ping. Buong mundo ay pinapanood ito. Nakakahiya itong nalusutan tayo ni Guo Hua Ping. Dapat may managot dito, lalong-lalo na ang [Bureau of Immigration] at Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,” Gatchalian said during an interview.
According to sources from ABS-CBN News, Guo allegedly left Manila on July 18, 2024, using a Philippine passport, via Batik Air, arriving in Kuala Lumpur the same day. She later traveled to Singapore on July 21, staying until August 18, before taking a ferry to Riau, Indonesia.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) acknowledged that Guo might have left the country illegally without passing through proper immigration channels. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco revealed they received intelligence reports that Guo had fled to Malaysia before heading to Singapore.
Gatchalian also mentioned that canceling Guo’s Philippine passport might not be effective since she is also a Chinese national and possesses a Chinese passport. He emphasized the importance of pursuing her extradition if she is found within the ASEAN region.
“Kung saan man siya nandoon ay hihingin natin na ibalik siya sa ating bansa,” Gatchalian added.
