Shiela Guo, Cassandra Ong arrive in PH after arrest in Indonesia
Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo's sister Shiela Guo and Cassandra Li Ong, who has ties to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99, have been brought back to the Philippines after their arrest in Indonesia.
The two arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in the late afternoon of Aug. 22 and were taken to the Bureau of Immigration headquarters in Manila.
During the press conference, Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Mico Clavano said that the two will undergo inquest proceedings and medical examinations over the weekend especially since Shiela reportedly got dizzy and needed to be put in a wheelchair upon leaving NAIA.
Ong, meanwhile arrived with tight security as she's one of the key persons who could help the government in investigating the illegal operations of Lucky South 99 company in Porac, Pampanga.
Clavano said that Shiela got an arrest order from the Senate due to immigration violations, while Ong is facing charges of obstruction of justice and violation of the passport law, in addition to a contempt order by the House of Representatives.
Authorities have yet to determine where to detain the two between the BI and the NBI.
Shiela and Ong were apprehended in Batam City on Aug. 20. The two, along with Alice, entered Jakarta from Singapore via a cruise ship.
“They were considered illegal aliens by Indonesian immigration as they are wanted in the Philippines,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the arrest of the two together is proof that POGO hubs in Porac and Bamban are somehow "connected."
During their arrest, PH officials said that Indonesian authorities did not find ex-Mayor Guo and her brother Wesley, ABS-CBN News reported. Clavano said that they are in the process of locating her and that they can’t delve more into their operation and process yet as it is confidential.
Tansingco previously said in a statement that they believe Alice, alongside her siblings Shiela and Wesley, illegally traveled to Malaysia as early as July before flying to Singapore.
Following Sen. Hontiveros’ report about their departure, the Malacañang ordered the cancellation of their Philippines passports, as per the New Philippine Passport Act which states that a DFA secretary may cancel a passport in the interest of national security. (With reports from Ayie Licsi)