Alice Guo escape: Senate probe resumes; more questions emerge

Alice Guo and homeschooling composite image from INQUIRER file and stock photos

MANILA, Philippines — Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s escape from Philippine jurisdiction is once again the subject of investigation as the Senate subcommittee on justice resumed its probe on Thursday, after being deferred last September 2 due to the inclement weather caused by Tropical Cyclone Enteng.

Sub-panel head Sen. Risa Hontiveros earlier admitted to thinking that the subcommittee only needed one hearing to uncover the truth behind Guo’s escape. However, Hontiveros said she was mistaken as more questions have sprung up regarding the matter.

READ: ‘Alice Guo Escape’ hearing at Senate deferred as Enteng lashes Luzon

“Ang lumalabas na conflict ay ito: On July 18th, Alice Guo and company entered Kuala Lumpur but on her passport, may tatak na Sabah na July 19. From Kuala Lumpur to Sabah, dapat din wala nang stamp because it’s the same country. So how can she be in two places at almost the same time?” Hontiveros previously asked before she suspended the hearing on August 27.

(The conflict that appears is this: On July 18th, Alice Guo and company entered Kuala Lumpur but her passport, bears a Sabah stamp of July 19. From Kuala Lumpur to Sabah, there should also be no stamp because it’s the same country. So how can she also be in two places at almost the same time?)

To recall, Shiela Guo — who was earlier identified as Alice’s sister — confirmed that she fled the country with Alice and Wesley Guo via multiple boats to Malaysia.

READ: Shiela Guo confirms escaping PH with siblings Alice, Wesley via boat

“The escape of Alice Guo is a reflection of our country’s capacity to effectively enforce our laws and secure our borders,” said Hontiveros.

She emphasized the need to ensure that all those who “facilitated” the dismissed Bamban mayor’s escape will be held liable.

Alice Guo (a.k.a. Guo Hua Ping) was arrested in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice, citing information from Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

READ: Alice Guo case: Abalos, Marbil arrive in Indonesia to fetch ex-mayor

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Marbil arrived in Jakarta on Thursday morning to pick up Guo.

Guo has an outstanding arrest order from the upper chamber for refusing to appear, despite due notices, before the committee on women’s hearing on July 10.

She has been the subject of scrutiny after the Senate panel on women uncovered 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 NBI, however, earlier confirmed that she and Chinese national Guo Hua Ping are one.