The House Appropriations Committee is set to investigate the use of intelligence funds by various government agencies following the escape of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who managed to flee the country despite being under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO).
“Congress takes the allocation and use of intelligence funds very seriously. The escape of former Mayor Alice Guo despite an ILBO is a matter of significant concern,” stated Elizaldy Co, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Ako Bicol party-list representative, on Saturday.
Co emphasized that such “lapses” should not be allowed to happen again, especially when proper funding for intelligence operations is in place.
“We must ensure that every peso of intelligence funds is used appropriately and effectively,” Co said. “We aim to prevent these oversights by ensuring stronger oversight and accountability.”
Earlier, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) suggested that Guo might have received assistance from public officials to leave the country. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio also mentioned that Guo is believed to be attempting to enter the Golden Triangle region in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration suspects that Guo remains in Indonesia.
Co reiterated the need for a thorough review of intelligence funds, particularly as other high-profile figures, like Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former Bureau of Corrections Chief Gerald Bantag, remain at large.
Guo’s inclusion on the immigration lookout bulletin followed an investigation into her identity and alleged involvement in illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) activities in her town. She was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for grave misconduct.
On Friday, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian raised concerns that government agencies may have conspired to facilitate Guo’s escape. He questioned the efficacy of the substantial intelligence funds allocated, given that Guo was able to evade monitoring.
“What happened to the billions of intelligence funds? How did Alice Guo slip past surveillance? It’s disappointing that we still don’t know how she escaped,” Gatchalian remarked.
The senator further stressed that the situation undermines public confidence, particularly when there are still many individuals yet to be apprehended. He intends to raise these issues during the upcoming budget discussions.