The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to coordinate with PAGCOR's Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva following allegations that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo bribed a former PNP Chief to facilitate her escape.
During a joint Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, Villanueva claimed that a former PNP Chief had allegedly assisted Guo in her escape and had been receiving a "monthly payroll" from her.
In an interview on the same day during DZRH’s Dos Por Dos program, MGen. Leo Francisco, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the PNP, stated that the CIDG is in the process of gathering more information on the issue.
"Kahapon lang din namin narinig [sa hearing] ang statement ni former General Villanueva ng PAGCOR. Nakikipag-connect kami ngayon sa kaniya para magkaroon kami ng impormasyon," Francisco said, confirming their efforts to reach out to Villanueva for further details.
Francisco also mentioned that Chief PNP General Benjamin Acorda Marbil has issued instructions to investigate the matter thoroughly.
"May instruction kahapon si Chief Gen. Marbil na tingnan ang mga naging pahayag ng isang empleyado ng PAGCOR na si Gen. Villanueva, at ngayong araw pupunta ang isang tauhan ko para makipag-coordinate," Francisco explained.
He stressed the potential damage these allegations could bring to the PNP's image. These claims according to Francisco should have a basis adding that if substantiated, the CIDG will prepare the appropriate cases against the implicated former PNP Chief.
"Kailangang maging specidic tayo dito dahil ito ay pinakikinggan ng taumbayan at 'yung imahe nanaman ng PNP ay nakataya dito, kaya kami dito sa CIDG ay inatasan ng ating chief PNP na tingnan itong mabuti aat siyasatin para maipakata sa mga tao na hindi tayto nagkakandong ng ganito kahit na former kasama natin dito sa PNP," he noted.
As for the ongoing investigation into Alice Guo, Francisco revealed that it is far from concluded.
"Sa ngayon hindi pa tapos ang pag-investigate namin kay Alice Guo," he said, noting that Guo has been difficult to interview consistently," said Francisco.
"May mga pangalan siya na binabanggit pero ito ay ipagpapatuloy dahil naging busy si Alice Guo. Tuwing babalik siya sa Custodial Center ay halos 'di na namin siya makausap," he added.
In another development, Francisco addressed the issue of locating lawyer Harry Roque, with whom the House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms has sought help. "Mayroon kami sa lahat ng regional offices at nakipag-ugnayan na kami sa Sgt. at Arms at HOR. Hanggang kahapon patuloy namin siyang binabalikan sa mga known addresses."
He also mentioned that the PNP is closely coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to assist in tracking movements, following the Guo incident, particularly across the country’s extensive coastlines.
