Philippines drops probe into alleged involvement of ex-Police Chief in Alice Guo’s escape??

Jenny Ortiz September 24, 2024

Share it :

Philippines drops probe into alleged involvement of ex-Police Chief in Alice Guo’s escape??

The Philippines’ Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has decided to cease its investigation into the supposed involvement of a retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief in the escape of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo. The decision came after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) senior vice president, Raul Villanueva, clarified that his statement regarding the retired PNP chief’s involvement was based solely on unverified rumours within the intelligence community.?

This development followed a meeting between CIDG director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco and Villanueva. During their conversation, Villanueva admitted that his testimony in a Senate hearing, which suggested that the former police chief was part of Guo’s alleged monthly payoff, was not supported by any concrete evidence. This revelation has led the CIDG to conclude that there are insufficient grounds to continue the investigation against the former PNP chief.?

Guo is confronted with serious legal issues, including 87 counts of money laundering and a human trafficking complaint linked to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her town. The former mayor was arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month.?

Calls for public apology from Villanueva

Villanueva’s statement during the Senate hearing, where he implicated the former PNP chief in Guo’s escape and suggested that the officer was on her payroll, stirred controversy. The claim not only drew the ire of the current PNP leadership but also prompted the Council of Chiefs, a collective of former PNP leaders, to demand that Villanueva either substantiate his allegations or issue a public apology.?

In response to the backlash, Villanueva has expressed his willingness to clarify his statement at the next Senate hearing, acknowledging that his claims were merely based on hearsay. This has left the CIDG with little choice but to reconsider pursuing the matter, especially given the potential legal repercussions for Villanueva if he cannot provide concrete evidence to support his claims.?