SOJ Remulla not satisfied with explanation of agents over Alice Guo selfies

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said he was not satisfied with the explanation of the government personnel who took selfies and photos with dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo when she was being deported back to the country.

“Hindi pa rin eh (I’m still not),” Remulla said in an ambush interview when asked if he was satisfied with the explanations.

In a viral group photo, Guo was seen smiling while in the company of some agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) while she was being escorted to Indonesian immigration before her return to Manila on early Friday.

Following, Remulla instructed officials to issue show cause orders against those who took the photos and selfies with Guo.

Various senators have slammed the actions of the agents for the “unprofessional” action, saying that Guo should not be treated like a celebrity.

“Kailangan may apology naman. Malaking apology ang kailangan diyan. Kailangan diyan may reprimand talaga,” Remulla said.

(An apology is necessary. A significant apology is needed for this. There should definitely be a reprimand in this situation.)

“Hindi pa puwedeng ganyan lang kasi wanted 'yan eh. 'Yung mga wanted, hindi mo sine-celebrate diyan. Kapag diyan, 'pag hinuli mo, hinuli mo. Hindi na tama na 'yung selfie-selfie na 'yan. Palitan natin 'yung kultura na 'yan. Hindi dapat nangyayari 'yan,” he added.

(It can't just be like that because she's wanted. You don't celebrate wanted individuals like that. When you catch someone, you catch them—it's not right to take selfies. We need to change that culture. it shouldn't happen.)

For its part, the Philippine National Police has apologized for the pictures, saying they had no intention to offend anyone.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago has also issued an apology.

BI Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Ryan Sy also apologized for the selfie of Immigration personnel with Guo.

Sy said the photo was only for a "sitrep" (situation report) but he was surprised when it leaked out and went viral on social media.

The BI official said it seems that the Immigration personnel were just relieved to have found Guo that is why they were smiling.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he saw nothing wrong with taking selfie photos with Guo, noting that it was "part of the new culture now." — RSJ/KG, GMA Integrated News