National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago apologized for a group photo of NBI agents with dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo that drew criticism, explaining that the agents' smiles were meant to express 'relief'.
"Napagsabihan ko na sila at bakit ganon ang mga posing nila sa litrato," Santiago said during an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Friday.
"Nagpaliwanag ang mga ahente ko at naintindihan ko naman po sila," he added.
Santiago said that the NBI agents noted they were genuinely relieved and pleased that Guo was handed over by Indonesian authorities without any demands for the exchange of an inmate in Cebu, despite the rumors.
"Hindi na iginiit ng Indonesian authorities ‘yung palit ulo ay talagang halos magtatalon ang ating mga ahente doon na tagumpay ang turnover," said Santiago.
"Ngayon, hindi naman pumayag ang Immigration authorities ng Indonesia na hindi idaan sa kanila para sa processing. Kaya pina-escort na po sa ating mga NBI agents. Kaya ‘yun pong nakasakay sila sa van, masaya sila kasi sila nage-escort at hawak na natin si Alice Guo," he added.
He reiterated that the agents' smiles were simply a sign of relief after all their efforts, as they had finally apprehended Guo. Notably, the NBI worked closely with Indonesian police and immigration authorities.
"Pinagalitan ko sila at bakit na nagpakuha sila [NBI agents] ng litrato na kilala sila. Sa mga interview naming dito, ‘yung ordinaryong operation, ay talagang nakatakip po sila, naka-mask po sila, hindi talaga nagpapakilala para sa susunod na operation, hindi sila makilala," said Santiago.
Furthermore, he instructed the agents to report to him for debriefing.
When asked why Guo was still smiling despite her arrest, Santiago suggested that it might have been her way of coping with stress.
"Alam niyo, iba-iba ang pagsalubong ng tao sa stress. Baka nilalabanan ni Alice Guo ‘yung stress niya sa pagpapakwela na nakatawa siya," Santiago mentioned.
Santiago further clarified that upon boarding the plane, she was immediately advised of the Miranda rights and was informed that she was under arrest.
The NBI director apologized for the viral photo that has been circulating.
"Humihingi ako ng paumanhin, ‘yun ay sign lamang ng relief at natapos na ang aming sakripisyo," Santiago explained.
In the meantime, Guo remains in the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Once she secures bail for the criminal case against her, she will be transferred to the Senate, which has issued a warrant for her.
