Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director MGen. Leo Francisco dismissed claims linking an ex-PNP Chief to receiving 'payola' from illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Bamban and allegedly aiding Alice Guo's escape from the country as mere rumors.
"Nag-usap kami sa cellphone [ni Ret. Gen. Raul Villanueva] at sinabi nga niya sa akin na ang lahat ng kaniyang sinabi sa Senate hearing noong nakaraan ay purely rumors and hearsay," Francisco said during an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday.
According to Francisco, he urged Villanueva to tell the truth because he needed to uncover the facts surrounding the matter, as the image of the PNP, particularly that of former PNP Chiefs, is at stake.
"Naging maliwanag na ‘yung sinabi ni BGen. Raul Villanueva sa Senado ay personal niyang sinabi sa akin na ito ay purely tsimis lang," Francisco stresse
He further stated that the CIDG will not stop its investigation into anyone involved in the issue surrounding dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, whether they hold high or low positions.
"Ang direktiba ng ating chief PNP PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ay ‘you get to the bottom of it'," said Francisco.
"Kailangan naming malaman talaga ang katotohanan sa mga bagay-bagay na ito dahil patuloy pa ring naiimbestiga ang ating Senado at Kongreso sa mga gawain ni Alice Guo," he added.
When asked if Villanueva could face consequences for his statement, Francisco replied that they are still evaluating his liability for making such claims.
"Pag-aaralan po namin kung ano ang pwede naming gawin sa kaniyang mga statement na sinabi sa Senado," said Francisco.
On September 17, during a Senate committee hearing, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva claimed that a former PNP Chief assisted Guo in fleeing the country and has allegedly been receiving monthly payroll.
