March 20, 2025
MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed on Wednesday that Malaysia “refused to cooperate” with the Philippines in providing information about the escape of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping).
Remulla made this statement when asked about the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) border control issues, particularly in light of reports that Harry Roque allegedly used the same route as Guo to leave the country.
However, the justice secretary distinguished Guo’s case from Roque’s, stating that hers was a “peculiar case.”
READ: Harry Roque likely left PH using same route as Alice Guo – BI
“The case of Alice Guo is a very peculiar case because Malaysia refused to cooperate with us. Malaysia is supposed to give us information,” he said in a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
“They know what flight entered, what aircraft entered, what she was riding–but they refused to give it to us for reasons that were given–that were alluded to, about the cases of our brothers in the South…so it’s beyond the DOJ (Department of Justice) already,” he added.
Remulla said he was referring to a case involving a land dispute between Malaysia and the Sultans of Sulu.
READ: Late sultan’s heirs fail in bid vs French court ruling on Malaysia dispute
According to Remulla, the issue with Malaysia was also tackled by the Department of Foreign Affairs, but to no avail.
“We faced a stonewall,” he said.
He then called on Senator Risa Hontiveros to try to understand the dilemma the BI faces.
“Hopefully, Senator Hontiveros will find it in her heart of hearts to understand the dilemma that the BI is facing in this case,” said Remulla.