On September 7, 2024, officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Philippines stated that investigators are close to identifying the individuals who assisted the ousted mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Alice Guo, in fleeing the Philippines.
Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano IV revealed at a press conference on Friday: "We are nearing the completion of a thorough investigation into those who assisted Alice Guo in her escape."
He added that while more details could not be disclosed, there was "conclusive evidence" showing who helped Alice Guo. He stated: "There are indeed personnel or persons of interest within the Bureau of Immigration, but we cannot rule out the involvement of private individuals. We will not show favoritism to anyone; those involved in Alice Guo's escape will definitely face charges."
Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed at another press conference on September 4 that there was a communication barrier between him and the Director of the Bureau of Immigration, Norman Tansingco, and he suspected that immigration personnel might be involved in Guo's departure.
Remulla also stated that he did not intend to mention this matter further, emphasizing that Tansingco did not inform him in a timely manner about Guo's departure, especially on such a critical issue, which was inappropriate to keep the Justice Minister uninformed.
Alice Guo, who is under investigation for her alleged association with an offshore gaming operation center in Bamban, left the Philippines in July and was arrested in Tangerang, Indonesia, on September 4. She was brought back to Manila by a chartered flight on Friday morning.
