The Bureau of Immigration reiterated on Tuesday that its investigation found no evidence linking agency personnel to the illegal departure of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, from the Philippines.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado made the confirmation following the continuation of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights’ investigation into Guo’s prior escape from the country.
During the subcommittee justice hearing, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) confirmed that the most likely route used by Guo for her exit was through a backdoor exit in the southernmost part of the country.
Viado also raised the bureau's significant concerns regarding the exploitation of the country's porous borders by individuals with malicious intent.
"The misuse of backdoor exits has reportedly been a tactic to evade proper inspection by authorities," said Viado.
He noted that private coastlines and airstrips, which are not monitored by the BI, fall under the jurisdiction of local government units (LGUs) and local law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
The BI has also previously reported instances of trafficking victims using backdoor exits, where they are often tortured and forced to work in scam operations overseas.
Meanwhile, Viado expressed his appreciation to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for its efforts to combat illegal backdoor exits.
He revealed that the IACAT conducted a study in November 2024 on illegal backdoor routes and recommended stronger collaboration between LGUs and LEAs with the IACAT to enhance the enforcement of anti-trafficking laws in the southern region.
Guo was arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, last September. However, as of now, it remains unclear how the individual, who is believed to be connected to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operation in Bamban, managed to leave the country.
Prior to her arrest, Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that Guo had fled the country and traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 18 of the previous year.
