Senate President Laments Law Enforcement Shortcomings
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has expressed disappointment with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies for their failure to arrest suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Despite the Bureau of Immigration’s assertion that Guo remains in the country, she has yet to be apprehended.
Public Criticism and Broader Concerns
In an ambush interview, Escudero did not mince words regarding the PNP’s inability to serve the arrest order. “It is a shame, an embarrassment for the PNP that it is yet to arrest Guo,” Escudero said. He further emphasized that Guo is not the only individual with an outstanding arrest order, pointing out that others accused of more severe crimes also remain at large.
Calls for Continued Funding
Despite the PNP’s failures, Escudero argued against reducing their budget, suggesting that such a measure would only exacerbate the problem. “It would only worsen the situation. We need to consider all the circumstances,” he said.
Senate Hearing and Potential Budget Cuts
At a Senate hearing, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada warned the NBI and PNP of potential budget cuts if they fail to arrest Guo within a month. Estrada stressed that the agencies have been provided with resources specifically for serving arrest orders.
Ongoing Investigation
The Senate issued the arrest order for Guo and her relatives two weeks ago in connection with an investigation into her alleged involvement in an illegal POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac. So far, only Guo’s accountant, Nancy Gamo, and the authorized representative of POGO firms in Bamban and Porac, Dennis Cunanan, have appeared before the Senate. The contempt orders against Gamo and Cunanan have since been lifted by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality.
Awaiting Response
GMA News Online has reached out to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo for comment but has yet to receive a reply.