Group of ex-PNP chiefs condemns Pagcor exec’s claim about Guo escape

Alice Guo — INQUIRER file photo / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines —  The council of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs have condemned a former military intelligence official’s claim that an ex-PNP top boss helped dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo escape the country.

In a statement on Sunday, the Council of Chiefs addressed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Senior Vice President of Security and Monitoring Cluster Retired General Raul Villanueva’s claim, which was based on “unvalidated information and rumors circulating within the intelligence community.”

Villanueva made this claim during a Senate probe, as he likewise alleged that this PNP chief was included in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators monthly payroll.

READ: Hontiveros: Alice Guo has right to post bail but probe to continue

“This is a sweeping accusation which maligns and brings dishonor to all of us, former Chiefs, who have dedicated the best years of our lives in the service of the Filipino nation. Although we are now retired, we continuously uphold our integrity to the highest standards and our solemn pledge to serve and protect our country and people,” the council said.

“As a retired Brigadier General himself, schooled in the Philippine Military Academy’s tradition of producing an “Officer and a Gentleman”, it is incumbent upon himself, in the interest of transparency, fairness and justice, to identity this rogue former PNP chief to clear the names of those not involved. However, if the information turns out false after validating the report, we hereby demand a public apology, no less, from the same officer,” it added.

Guo fled the country on July 18 and was arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 4. She returned to the Philippines last September 6.

Earlier, the former mayor’s companions – Shiela and Cassandra Ong  –  were also arrested in Indonesia and deported back to the country.

Guo, along with others, is facing a qualified human trafficking complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the PAOCC before the Department of Justice last June 21.