The Council of Chiefs of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has strongly refuted allegations made by retired PNP Brigadier General Raul Villanueva, now the Senior Vice President of PAGCOR's Security and Monitoring Cluster, claiming that a former PNP Chief was bribed by dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Villanueva's statement, made during the Senate Committee hearing on September 17, 2024, alleged that the former PNP Chief had been involved in assisting Guo's escape and was on the payroll of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

During the Senate hearing, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, the Council of Chiefs—composed of former PNP Chiefs—responded to the claims. In his opening statement, Dela Rosa read the council's message, which expressed deep condemnation of Villanueva's allegations.

"The Council of Chiefs composed of former Chiefs of the Philippine National Police strongly condemns the irresponsible statement made by retired PNP Brigadier General, now a Senior PAGCOR official, Raul Villanueva during the Senate investigation of illegal POGOs last September 17, 2024," the statement read.

The Council of Chiefs stressed that these were sweeping and unvalidated accusations that tarnished the reputations of former PNP Chiefs who have dedicated their lives to serving the Filipino nation.

Furthermore, the council called upon Villanueva, a fellow officer trained at the Philippine Military Academy, to identify the alleged "rogue" former PNP Chief, in the interest of transparency, fairness, and justice. They warned that if Villanueva’s claims proved to be false upon validation, they would demand a public apology.

"As a retired Brigadier General himself, schooled in the Philippine Military Academy's tradition of producing an officer and a gentleman, it is incumbent upon him, in the interest of transparency, fairness, and justice, to identify this rogue former PNP Chief to clear the names of those not involved," the statement reads.