The Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Friday, Sept. 27, it will seek the return of dismissed Mayor Alice L. Guo to the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Guo, who pleaded not guilty to the charge of non-bailable qualified trafficking in persons, has been transferred from the PNP's Custodial Center in Quezon City to the Pasig City Jail's Fermale Dormitory on order issued by the Pasig City regional trial court (RTC).
Also, Guo's co-accused in the case are now detained at the Pasig City Jail.
DOJ's Prosecutor General Officer-in-Charge Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony D. Fadullon said “we are suggesting that they be continued to be detained doon muna sa Custodial ng PNP.”
Fadullon said that he has already instructed prosecutors handling the case to seek the transfer of detention before the Pasig City RTC.
“Alam naman natin ang kakayahan ng BJMP. Hindi sa minamaliit ko pero I feel more secured dito sa PNP security (We know the ability of the Bureu of Jail Management and Penoloty. I am not belittling the BJMP but I feel more secured with the PNP),” explained Fadullon.
He also pointed out that Guo can be easilly transported to attend the hearings at the Pasig City RTC and in other courts where she has pending cases.
The DOJ also pointed out, being detained at the Custodial Center, Guo can easily be transported to attend the hearings of the various cases she is facing.
Guo pleaded not guilty before the Pasig RTC on Friday on charges of qualified trafficking in persons concerning her alleged involvement in the illegal activities of Zun Yuan Technology, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) that was raided in Bamban town.
During the court proceedings, the RTC suspended the arraignment of her detained co-accused Walter Wong Long over allegations made by his lawyer that he was not among the respondents named in the complaint that was filed before the DOJ.
To this, Fadullon assured he will check with the panel of prosecutors handling the case.
“But I do not think we will charge somebody in court, indict them without giving them the chance to participate in the preliminary investigation,” he said.