Alice Guo, dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, has confirmed receiving a death threat and sought assistance from Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
Guo admitted this upon her return to the Philippines from Jakarta, Indonesia, in the early hours of the morning.
According to Guo, she reached out to Abalos and Marbil for help, feeling secure under the protection of the PNP and DILG. “I confirm everything the Secretary said. I have received a death threat, and I asked for their help. I am happy to see them,” Guo stated.
(Kino-confirm ko po ang lahat po ng sinabi ni Secretary na mayroon po akong death threat at humingi po ako ng tulong sa kanila at masaya din po ako na makita sila.)
Abalos also confirmed that Guo requested a private conversation with him and PNP Chief Marbil while they were still in Indonesia.
Although Guo did not specify the nature of the threat, Abalos and Marbil advised her not to be afraid and encouraged her to reveal the individuals behind it, assuring her that they would protect her life.
It was previously reported that on September 5, during the turnover of Guo to Philippine authorities, Guo’s plea for help was caught on the microphone of DILG Sec. Abalos during a live broadcast. However, the audio cut out just as Abalos responded.