President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said “heads will roll” over the alleged departure of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who has been linked to offshore illegal gaming operations.

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In a statement, Marcos said government has launched a full-scale investigation on Guo’s departure, adding those who aided her flight will be exposed, suspended “and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“LET ME BE CLEAR: Heads will roll,” the President said, adding that Guo’s departure  exposes the corruption that undermines the country’s justice system and erodes public trust.

“There is no room in this government for anyone who places personal interest above serving the Filipino people with honor, integrity and justice,” the President added.

 The Office of the President earlier ordered the cancellation of the passports of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo,her siblings Wesley Guo and Sheila Guo, and businesswoman Cassandra Ong.

Palace tells DFA to cancel passports of Alice Guo, siblings

“Under Republic Act No. 11983, also known as the 'New Philippine Passport Act', the DFA Secretary may cancel a passport in the interest of national security. Under the same law, one of the grounds for the cancellation of a Philippine passport is when the court issues an order for its cancellation as the holder is a fugitive from justice,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in his request.

Bersamin’s order came shortly after the Bureau of Immigration said that Guo had already fled the Philippines, where she is facing human trafficking charges over her links with a POGO company operating in her town.

“It is worthy to note that currently, the Senate issued arrest warrants against Guo and her family for unduly refusing to appear, despite due notices, its probe into the illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). A criminal complaint has also been filed against her for qualified trafficking, and other cases are likewise being prepared for her alleged involvement in POGO operations. Cassandra Ong ("Ong"), one of the individuals whom Guo met in Singapore, was also cited in contempt by the House of Representatives for her failure to attend hearings,” Bersamin noted.

“Given the foregoing and in the interest of justice, this Office hereby directs that appropriate action be taken for the cancellation of the Philippine passports of Guo, her family, and Ong,“ the memorandum signed by Bersamin on August 20, 2024 stated.