On August 21, Philippine President Marcos stated that his government is investigating how Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban town in Tarlac province (also known as "POGO" mayor), managed to flee the Philippines.
After Alice Guo's escape, Marcos ordered the cancellation of her Philippine passport on August 20, and warned on the 21st that "heads will roll" (Note: a common English phrase implying severe punishment).
Foreign immigration records have confirmed that Alice Guo has fled the Philippines.
Marcos said in a statement: "We will expose the main culprits who betrayed the trust of the people and assisted her escape. Those responsible will be suspended and will face the fullest extent of the law."
Alice Guo, who refused to attend a hearing investigating her alleged criminal ties, is wanted by the Senate. Guo denies these charges, insisting she is a native-born Filipino citizen facing "malicious accusations."
In March, Philippine law enforcement raided the quiet agricultural town of Bamban, where Guo was mayor, uncovering an online gambling hub located on land partly owned by Guo. Subsequently, the Senate began an investigation into her in May.
Due to serious misconduct, Guo was recently removed from her position as mayor by the Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines.
A spokesperson for the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said that last month, Guo traveled to Malaysia and Singapore with a Philippine passport, and this month to Indonesia.
An Indonesian immigration official confirmed that Guo entered Indonesia at 1:13 PM on August 18. Since he was not authorized to speak to the media, the official preferred to remain anonymous. When asked if Guo was still in Indonesia, the official did not immediately respond.
However, Guo's lawyer, Stephen David, stated that Guo is still in the Philippines, but did not provide further details.
