July 17, 2024
MANILA – The detention facility for suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her family members, should they get arrested was presented to the media on Tuesday by retired Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan of the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA).
The facility sits beside the Senate Security Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Should Guo and her family’s arrest happen, it would be the first time the room would be since being refurbished in 2023.
The Senate Security Unit. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
“Here, I can assure her security 24/7, I’ve done it before; I was a commander before and I assured my people within my area of responsibility that they are safe,” Ancan told reporters in an ambush interview, addressing queries surrounding Guo’s safety amid alleged death threats.
The room, although small, fits four double-deck bunk beds. It is airconditioned and has a sink and restroom.
Retired Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan of the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms gives reporters a tour of the Senate detention facility. It is air-conditioned. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
Retired Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan of the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms gives reporters a tour of the Senate detention facility. It’s air-conditioned. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
The Senate detention facility has its own restroom. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
The Senate detention facility also has its own kitchen sinks. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
According to Ancan, Guo and her family will be provided with beddings and pillows, but if they prefer to bring their own, it wouldn’t be a problem.
The Senate will also shoulder meals.
Ancan said, if the arrested persons would have restrictions, they would only need to notify the Senate so that it could be coordinated and prepared.
“This is not a jail. This is a detention [facility]. If this is a jail, then it will have railings,” Ancan emphasized in English and Filipino.
Guo is being scrutinized for her alleged ties to illegal pogo firm Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac.
Questions about her citizenship were also raised, leading to allegations that she is a Chinese spy, which she vehemently denied.
The Senate on Saturday issued an arrest order against Guo and seven others for refusing to appear, despite due notices, at the committee on women’s hearing last July 10.
Apart from the embattled local official, arrest orders against her family members Sheila Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, Jian Zhong Guo, Seimen Guo, and her suspected mother Wen Yi Lin.
Also ordered arrested were Dennis Cunanan, an alleged authorized representative of Pogos, and Guo’s accountant, Nancy Gamo, who is now under the custody of the Senate.