Senate prepares detention facility for suspended Bamban mayor

Retired Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan of the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) has completed preparations for a detention facility where suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her family members will be held if they surrender.

Located beside the Philippine National Police-Senate Security Unit, the facility was converted from a daycare center last year and is equipped with three bunk beds, bathroom, air conditioner, water dispenser, and table.

Guo and her companions are not allowed to bring any type of gadget but can use an OSAA-provided telephone in case of emergencies. Only female relatives will be permitted to stay with Guo while male detainees will be held separately.

The Senate will provide meals three times a day but visitors, except for immediate family members and legal counsel during designated visiting hours, are restricted. Medical care is available, and detainees can go outside for brief periods.

Guo faces arrest orders for refusing to appear at a committee hearing on July 10 amid allegations of ties to illegal POGO firms and questions about her citizenship.