Security measures in place for Guo appearance at Senate

MANILA, Philippines — Security measures are in place to ensure the safety of dismissed mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac when she appears before senators tomorrow.

She will be questioned regarding her alleged links to criminal activities uncovered at raided Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs, particularly the one in her municipality of Bamban.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has assured Guo of the “best protection” by the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

“We will give you the best protection for your life,” Abalos said at a news forum at the Dapo Restaurant and Bar in Quezon City.

Guo is detained at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame after she opted not to post bail for the cases she is facing before a court in Capas, Tarlac for violating two provisions of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Guo is under heavy police security, as she claimed to be receiving death threats that had prompted her to leave the country.

Abalos said he hopes Guo would return the favor by answering truthfully the questions from senators on what she knows about the criminal activities happening at POGO hubs, particularly those raided in Tarlac and Pampanga.

The DILG chief said Guo has not yet identified the people allegedly plotting to kill her.

Guo also did not allow Marbil, who was present during the meeting, to record their conservation as her lawyers were not present.

“There’s this sense of fear so I told her not to be afraid and just tell us everything she knows,” he said.

Judge Judge Sarah Vedana-delos Santos of the Capas Regional Trial Court Branch 109 granted the request of Sen. Risa Hontiveros for Guo to attend the hearing.

Col. Jean Fajardo, the PNP’s chief publicist, promised to follow the court’s order to take Guo to the Senate under heavy security.

Fajardo said they are also looking into the alleged threats on Guo, stressing her safety is their main concern.

“We will conduct an investigation, threat assessment to prove her and determine where it’s coming from,” she said over dzBB.

Fajardo maintained that Guo is not receiving special treatment from the PNP, saying the former