Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Philippine National Police, speaks to the members of the media in a Press Conference at Royal Star Aviation Hangar, Pasay City on Friday, September 6, 2024. - Photo: INQUIRER.net
MANILA: Police chief Rommel Marbil said they are presently investigating all 24 former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs to determine if they are involved in Alice Guo’s escape from Philippine jurisdiction.
During a Senate sub-panel on finance hearing on Thursday (Sept 19), Sen. Robin Padilla inquired whether the identity of the former top cop who allegedly received bribes to assist Guo and her companions, Shiela and Wesley Guo, in fleeing the country despite an immigration lookout bulletin had been established.
The matter was first revealed by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva in a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
"We have no report coming from Gen. Raul Villaueva regarding what he said, but we are investigating 24 of our former chief PNP to know if they are involved," said Marbil.
"We are not happy with what he said," he emphasised.
Marbil then proceeded to remind Villanueva that he is under oath and that he is obliged to tell the whole truth.
"And remember, it’s not the whole organisation of PNP alone.
"It’s peace and order being affected by what he said. Just imagine a former PNP chief doesn’t mean we allow it to the lowest mammal receiving bribes," said Marbil.
According to Marbil, they would write a letter addressed to Villanueva, specifically asking him to name the ex-top cop allegedly involved in Guo’s escape.
Villanueva’s exposé earlier received the criticism of former PNP chief Bato dela Rosa who noted that the Pagcor official was wrong for disclosing the reports they received even without concrete evidence.
"You cannot pin down anybody through intelligence reports because intel reports have no evidentiary value and cannot stand in court.
"So before this information got disclosed, I hope they confirmed it first. They should have validated it thoroughly and once validated, they should have checked and disclosed the name," dela Rosa told reporters previously.
Dela Rosa already cleared his name, veering away from the issue.
Guo was the dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor who is now facing a non-bailable charge of qualified human trafficking at the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
She was accused of being part of a “conspiracy” that allowed an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in her town to engage in human trafficking activities, among other crimes. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
