Metro Manila, Philippines – Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo said on Friday she has been receiving death threats but did not say from whom.
In a press briefing after she returned with the arresting team, Guo said she sought the help of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and police authorities for protection.
She did not say if this was the reason she fled the country.
“Masaya po ako na nakita ko sila. I feel safe,” said Guo.
[Translation: I’m happy that I saw them. I feel safe.]
Abalos said he assured Guo that the police will protect her.
“Iyong death threats, huwag niya alalahanin. Ang importante sabihin niya lahat ng totoo. Lahat. Huwag siyang matakot maski sino pang malalaking tao ito. At siya ay babantayan ng pulisya,” he said.
[Don’t worry about the death threats. What’s important is for her to tell the truth. Everything. She doesn’t need to be scared regardless of how big these people are. The police will watch her.]
Guo was turned over to the PNP Custodial Center in Quezon City where she will stay until she posts bail in Tarlac — where she is facing an arrest warrant issued by a regional court for graft and corruption charges.
She returned to the country with the arresting team on Sept. 6, Friday, at 1:10 a.m. after she was arrested by Indonesian authorities.
Guo is facing an arrest order from the Senate for refusing to appear in an investigation on illegal offshore gaming.
