SENT BACK. Lucky South 99's authorized representative Cassandra Li Ong (right), and Alice Guo's sister Sheila Guo are on their way back to Manila after being apprehended by Indonesian authorities on Aug. 10, 2024. Senator Raffy Tulfo announced Thursday (Aug. 22, 2024) that Ong and Sheila Guo are set to land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:05 p.m. via Philippine Airlines flight PR 540. (Photo courtesy of Raffy Tulfo in Action FB page)
MANILA – The two companions of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo who left the country in July are on their way back to the Philippines after being arrested in Indonesia.
In a Facebook post in his radio program on Thursday, Senator Raffy Tulfo announced that Lucky South 99's authorized representative Cassandra Li Ong, and Alice Guo's sister, Sheila Guo, were already sent back by Indonesian authorities and are set to land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:05 p.m. via Philippine Airlines flight PR 540.
He reported that Alice Guo, together with Ong, arrived in Jakarta from Singapore on board a cruise ship.
The Philippines' Bureau of Immigration has sent a letter to Indonesian immigration authorities requesting assistance in finding them.
Ong and Shiela Guo were apprehended at the Mega Mall Batam Center in Riau, Indonesia on Aug. 10 but Alice Guo was not with them anymore.
The Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms is coordinating with the Manila International Airport Authority in serving the order of arrest for Sheila Guo upon her arrival.
As for Ong, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said they were still coordinating with Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros for a possible contempt citation and disposition of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian's pending motion to cite her in contempt.
The House of Representatives has an outstanding warrant for Ong.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros said she is looking forward to having better results for the ongoing Senate inquiry on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and Mayor Guo's link to it due to this “promising development.”
"Inaasahan ko rin ang pagdalo ni Cassandra Li Ong at Sheila Guo sa ating hearing sa Martes. Mananagot sila sa pag-iwas nila sa Senado (I also look forward to the attendance of Cassandra Li Ong and Sheila Guo at our hearing on Tuesday. They will be held responsible for avoiding the Senate)," Hontiveros, who leads the investigation, said.
Ong's attendance in the investigation, she said, would be crucial in finding out who helped Guo flee the country, as well as determining the loopholes in the immigration system.
"We commend the Indonesian authorities for their decisive action in upholding the law and maintaining security. This is a promising development and a testament to our collective efforts," she said.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Ong and Shiela Guo will be held at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Quezon City upon their arrival in Manila.
"The NBI will likely take custody, but immigration authorities will decide on the charges to be filed. The NBI will handle questioning and processing," Remulla said.
"We need to process them first before any legislative investigation. It's important to respect their rights and not turn this into a spectacle." (With a report from Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
