DOJ to probe alleged death threats vs. Alice Guo

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the alleged death threats that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo received, Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said Friday.

“We do not want to push that aside, we have to take that very seriously,” Clavano said in a media briefing.

“‘Yung goal po talaga natin is to make sure na humarap siya sa mga kaso natin laban sa kanya (Our ultimate goal is to ensure that she will face the charges filed against her in court). So if there is a threat to her life, we must take that seriously and make sure that she is able to face the cases in court,” he said.

In a video posted on Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos' Facebook account, Guo was heard saying, "Sec, patulong. May death threat po kasi ako (Sec, help me. There's a death threat against me)."

Her lawyer, Atty. Stephen David, said the threats were relayed to Guo by her family and associates.

Guo is facing a human trafficking complaint in relation to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Bamban as well as a money laundering complaint before the DOJ.

A quo warranto petition has also been filed against her before a Manila court as well as a petition to cancel her birth certificate before a Tarlac court.

‘Escape’

Meanwhile, Clavano said that their investigation on individuals who aided in Guo’s “escape“ out of the country is nearing its end.

However, he said he was not at liberty to disclose the subjects of the investigation.

Asked if this involved Immigration officials, Clavano said that there were persons of interest in the BI.

“But this does not discount the fact that maybe there are also private individuals who helped in the escape,” Clavano said.

“Wala po tayong kinikilingan dito. As long as tumulong kayo sa escape ni former mayor Alice Guo... you will definitely cases,” he added.

(We don't have any favorites here. As long as you helped former mayor Alice Guo escape, you will certainly face charges.)

The former mayor left the country in July despite her name being on the immigration lookout bulletin.

Guo was nabbed by Indonesian authorities in Tangerang City early Wednesday morning. She was brought back to the country early Friday morning.—AOL, GMA Integrated News