Justice Department investigates alleged death threats against Alice Guo

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate alleged death threats received by sacked Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, justice spokesman Mico Clavano said on Friday.

“We don't want to brush this aside, we have to take it very seriously,” Clavano said at a press conference.

“Our primary goal is to ensure that she can face the charges against her in court. So if there is a threat to her life, we have to take that seriously and make sure she can face the cases in court,” he said.

In a video posted on Interior Minister Benhur Abalos' Facebook account, Guo can be heard saying: “Security officer, help me. There is a death threat against me.”

Her lawyer Stephen David said the threats were passed on to Guo by her family and friends.

Guo faces human trafficking charges in connection with the raid on the Philippine offshore gambling center in Bamban, and a money laundering charge is pending with the U.S. Department of Justice.

In addition, a quo warranto petition was filed against her in a Manila court and a petition to annul her birth certificate was filed in a Tarlac court.

'Escape'

Meanwhile, Clavano said that the investigation into those who helped Guo “escape” the country was nearing completion.

However, he said he was not allowed to reveal the subject of the investigation.

When asked if these were immigration officials, Clavano said that there were persons of interest in the BI.

“However, this does not rule out the possibility that private individuals may have helped with the escape,” said Clavano.

“Wala po tayong kinikilingan dito. As long as you can escape former mayor Alice Guo, you will definitely have cases,” he added.

(We don't have a favorite here. As long as you helped former mayor Alice Guo escape, you will surely be charged.)

The former mayor left the country in July, even though her name was on the immigration search bulletin.

Guo was arrested by Indonesian authorities in the city of Tangerang early Wednesday morning. She was returned to the country early Friday morning.—AOL, GMA Integrated News