MANILA: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Wednesday (Sept 4) that all legal procedures will be followed to hold ex-Bamban Mayor Alice Guo responsible for her alleged crimes.
The Department of Justice earlier confirmed Guo’s arrest in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday evening.
"The arrest of Alice Guo is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.
"We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed," Remulla said in a statement.
The agency added that it will coordinate with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the necessary legal procedures.
Meanwhile, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago also confirmed the arrest of Guo in a radio dwPM interview the same day.
Guo is expected to be returned to the country soon.
Santiago said Guo will first be taken to the Bureau of Immigration before being handed over to the NBI.
He added that charges will be filed against Guo before she is brought to the Senate.
"Of course we will file charges against her, criminal charges, before turning her over to the Senate," Santiago said.
Sheila Guo—earlier identified as the former mayor’s sister—and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were also arrested last month in Indonesia and are now detained in the country. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN