Alice Guo back in PH after arrest in Indonesia

MANILA, September 6 ------ Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo arrived in the Philippines early Friday morning after she was arrested in Indonesia earlier this week, authorities said. Guo was brought back to the Philippines by Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Rommel Marbil and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who carried the arrest warrant for her issued by the Senate.  

The aircraft carrying Guo along with Abalos and Marbil  arrived at a private hangar at past 1 a.m. on private plane. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed Guo's arrival. Upon her arrival, the Bureau of Immigration arrested and took legal custody of Guo, while physical custody is with the PNP, according to Tansingco. He said Guo faces charges of undesirability and misrepresentation under Philippine immigration laws. 

During the press briefing after her arrival, Abalos said a friend allowed the Philippine government to use free of charge the private plane that brought them back to the Philippines. Abalos said he told Guo not to worry about death threats. He said Guo should tell all about what she knows. "Ang sinasabi namin kay Alice, huwag kang matakot. Kung ikaw natatakot sa buhay mo, we will provide you with all the (security) na kailangan mo. Ang importante lang ituro mo ang mga taong malalaking ito. Lahat ng pangalan, ibigay mo," Abalos aid. 

In response to photos showing her smiling during her turn-over to Philippine officials, Guo said she was happy to see them after receiving death threats. “Meron po akong death threats at humingi po ako ng tulong sa kanila at masaya din po ako na nakita ko po sila, I feel safe po,” she said. Guo was later brought to Camp Crame, before going to the Senate Friday morning. 

The disgraced former mayor was arrested late Tuesday in Tangerang City, Banten province after her clandestine escape from the Philippines. Guo, who faces graft, money laundering, and human trafficking charges related to her alleged involvement in illegal gambling operations in her town, will be detained at the Senate upon her return to the country, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros. 

The former mayor's apprehension came days after the arrest of her alleged sister Shiela and gaming hub representative Cassandra Ong in Indonesia. Guo, who was also accused of undesirability and misrepresentation for allegedly acquiring her Filipino citizenship through fraudulent means, will be facing a deportation case upon her return to the country, according to Bureau of Immigration chief Norman Tansingco. A Capas, Tarlac court on Thursday also issued a warrant of arrest against Guo in connection to the graft case against her, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said. 

Source: news.abs-cbn.com