PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public of the immediate resolution of cases of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo following her arrest in Indonesia.
In a video message uploaded on his official Facebook page, Marcos said the government would let the legal process take its course, as it hears Guo’s case.
“This government continues in its duty to apply the rule of law. Miss Guo shall be entitled to all legal protections due her under the laws of the land, and pursuant to our commitment to the rule of law,” Marcos said.
“But we will not allow this to prolong the resolution of the case, whose outcome will be a victory for the Filipino people.”
Marcos said Guo’s apprehension must serve as a “warning” to those who attempt to evade justice that “such is an exercise in futility,” stressing that “the arm of the law is long and it will reach you”.
He thanked the Indonesian government and lauded the law enforcement agencies for the successful arrest of Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta.
“I congratulate all law enforcement personnel who made this apprehension possible. The public may not know the intricate details of this mission that you have successfully accomplished, but on their behalf, accept my thanks,” Marcos said.
“The Philippines also thanks the Indonesian government for their assistance on this matter. The close cooperation between our two governments has made this arrest possible.”
Guo is facing complaints about her alleged involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country and questions about her citizenship.
She was able to leave the country on July 18, despite being the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin due to the ongoing investigations.
Guo reportedly headed to Malaysia, arrived in Singapore on July 21, and traveled to Indonesia on Aug. 18.
Guo’s sister, Shiela, and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were earlier arrested in Indonesia and already sent back to the Philippines.
Marcos, in a media interview on Aug. 27, said there would be “no sacred cows” in the investigation into Guo’s escape, hinting that he had an idea about the people who helped the former mayor leave the country.
The Department of Justice earlier said there were certain individuals who would face administrative or criminal cases in connection with Guo’s escape. (PNA)
