MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Chiz Escudero assured “traumatized” suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo that her safety is a paramount concern.
Escudero guaranteed that the facility where she and her siblings and co-accused will be detained is presentable, secured and ready to take them into custody.
In an interview, Escudero said that the detention facility within the senate compound is guarded by personnel from the Philippine National Police.
“Ininspeksyon ko na kanina at kung saka-sakali para matiyak ang seguridad ni Mayor Guo ay doon namin siya i-di-ditena kasama ang kanyang mga kamag-anak hangga’t hindi nag-i-schedule ng hearing ang komite,” Escudero said.
The facility is an air conditioned room with its own toilet and bunk beds. Gadgets are not allowed inside however, Escudero had the guidelines reviewed for updating.
“Wala akong nakikitang dahilan bakit hindi, hindi naman mga drug lord ‘to na pwede nilang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang operasyon sa loob ng detention. Pangalawa wala naman akong nakikitang delikadong kaganapan,” he said.
Guo, who is still in hiding, had claimed in previous statements that she had been receiving harassments and threats that deterred her from appearing before the hearing.
Escudero meanwhile said he can’t seem to find a reason why there would be threats to the mayor’s safety. Nevertheless, she will not have any cause for worry once she submits to the protection of the Senate, said Escudero.
The Senate president cleared that the detention was not a punishment but rather just an assurance that Guo and the others would be present in the succeeding hearings. Lifting the arrest order was also guaranteed once Guo and the others committed their cooperation.
“Kung boluntaryo naman na susunod siya sa subpoena ng komite wala naman na rason para mag-issue pa ko ng warrant. Kaya naman ako nag-issue ng warrant ay dahil ayaw niyang sundin ‘yung subpoena na inissue ng komite,” he said.
