Philippine Police Mobilize to Assist Senate in Apprehending Suspended Mayor and Associates

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has instructed regional directors and police chiefs to aid the Senate in the arrest of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and seven others, escalating efforts to secure their testimony in an ongoing legislative inquiry.

According to Philippines News Agency, the directive was issued following the Senate Sergeant at Arms (OSSA) initiating a search for Mayor Guo, her relatives Sheila Leal Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, Jian Zhong Guo, Seimen Guo, her suspected mother Wen Yi Lin, and associates Dennis Cunanan and accountant Nancy Gamo. The Senate recently issued arrest orders for these individuals in connection with an investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

To date, only Nancy Gamo has been located and was taken into custody by the arresting team last Saturday. “Dun sa arrest warrants na inissue laban kay Mayor Alice Guo at iba nyang associates, associated sa kanya, nung nakaraang weekend nga ay nagprovide ng security assistance ang PNP yung mga personnel ng senate sergeant at arms (As for the arrest warrants issued against Mayor Alice Guo and her other associates, the PNP provided security assistance to the personnel of the Senate Sergeant at Arms last weekend),” Fajardo explained. She added that there was no additional attempt to serve the arrest warrants since then.

The OSSA was tasked with serving the arrest orders within 24 hours, aiming to detain the eight individuals at its office until they comply with the Senate’s demands to testify or clear themselves of contempt. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, has ordered all eight to appear before her committee on July 29. The subpoenas were officially signed by Senator Hontiveros and approved by Senate President Francis Escudero.