Senators seek answers from arrested Mayor Guo on POGO involvement

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian, along with House lawmakers, expressed hope that dismissed Mayor Alice Guo will finally answer their questions regarding her alleged involvement in POGO operations in Bamban, Tarlac following her arrest in Indonesia on Wednesday, September 4.

Hontiveros chairs two Senate panels investigating illegal POGO operations and the escape of Guo and her companions. She expects Guo to face a Senate hearing as soon as possible to address concerns about her role in these operations.

Guo was arrested in Tangerang City, Banten province by Indonesian police at 11:58 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and is currently in custody awaiting extradition to the Philippines. She returned to the country early Friday morning.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality has requested that Capas, Tarlac Regional Trial Court allow Guo to attend its investigation into her alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations scheduled for Monday, September 9.

Hontiveros emphasized that Guo should be placed under Senate custody first before any other court proceedings, citing the commitment made by NBI chief Jaime Santiago to turn her over to the Senate after necessary processes.