MANILA, Philippines – The detention facility for suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her family members, should they get arrested and taken into custody, was presented to the media on Tuesday by Lt. Gen. (ret.) Roberto Ancan of the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA).The room sits beside a Philippine National Police (PNP) office within the Senate premises.
Should Guo and her family’s arrest happen, it will be the first time the room will be utilized since it was refurbished in 2023.
“Here, I can assure her security 24/7, I’ve done it before; I was a commander before and I assured my people within my area of responsibility that they are safe,” Ancan told reporters in an ambush interview, addressing queries surrounding Guo’s safety amid alleged death threats.
The room, although small, fits four double bunk beds. It is air-conditioned and has a sink and restroom.
According to Ancan, Guo and her family will be provided with bedding and pillows, but if they prefer to bring their own, it wouldn’t be a problem.
Meals will also be shouldered by the Senate. Ancan said if the arrested persons have restrictions, they only need to notify the Senate so that it can be coordinated and prepared.
“This is not a jail. This is a detention [facility]. If this is a jail, then it will have railings,” Ancan emphasized in English and Filipino.
Guo is being scrutinized for her alleged ties to illegal pogo firm Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac.
Questions about her citizenship were also raised, leading to allegations that she is a Chinese spy, which she vehemently denied.
The Senate on Saturday issued an arrest order against Guo and seven others for refusing to appear, despite due notices, at the committee on women’s hearing last July 10.
Apart from the embattled local official, arrest orders against her family members Sheila Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, Jian Zhong Guo, Seimen Guo and her suspected mother Wen Yi Lin were likewise issued.
Also ordered arrested were Dennis Cunanan, an alleged authorized representative of Pogos, and Guo’s accountant, Nancy Gamo, who is now under the custody of the Senate.