MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, September 4, applauded the efforts of law enforcement in the apprehension of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.
In a video statement, Marcos thanked local law enforcement and the Indonesian government for the arrest of the dismissed mayor.
“The public may not know the intricate details of this mission that you have successfully accomplished, but on their behalf, accept my thanks,” Marcos said.
“Let this serve as a warning to those who attempt to evade justice: Such efforts are futile. The arm of the law is long, and it will reach you,” he added.
The president assured the public that the rule of law would be applied in Guo’s case.
“Ms. Guo shall be entitled to all legal protections due her under the laws of the land, in line with our commitment to the rule of law,” he said.
In a separate ambush interview with members of the press, Marcos said that the government is finalizing arrangements for Guo’s return to the Philippines on Wednesday.
The Philippine National Police also said that Guo would be turned over to the custody of the Senate, as the upper chamber has issued a warrant of arrest against her for contempt.
Guo was apprehended in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia. The Department of Justice reported that she was arrested at 11:58 p.m. on September 3, while the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation reported her apprehension at 1:30 a.m. on September 4.
In a separate press briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that a resolution regarding the non-bailable trafficking in persons charge against the dismissed mayor might be released this week.
Aside from the human trafficking charges, Guo is facing multiple charges in different courts and chambers.