MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos explained his and Philippine National Police chief Police General Rommel Marbil’s photo with dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo after lawmakers blasted government officials for having selfies with the ex-mayor.
The photo which gained massive criticisms from netizens and even lawmakers is for documentation, said Abalos.
“Nag-request si Alice na kausapin kami ni chief and sinabi talaga na meron siyang death threats and in-assure ko siya na death threats ‘wag niyang alalahanin, ang importante sabihin niya ang totoo, lahat,” Abalos said in a briefing upon their arrival to the Philippines from Indonesia.
“Pina-document namin, para malinaw ito, hindi ko naman alam kung anong ginagawa niya, siyempre nakatingin ako sa camera,” he said.
In a viber message sent to reporters, Sen. Joel Villanueva said the act of having a photo with Guo is “so unprofessional.”
“Seriously, do you want to take a picture with this treacherous fugitive!” he said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros made a series of posts about Guo’s return that seemed like a “fan meet” more than a deportation.
