June 3, 2024 – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has revealed that Lin Wen Yi, who is believed to be the mother of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, departed the Philippines on May 20 and has not returned since. Accompanying Lin was Jian Zhong Guo, suspected to be the mayor’s father.
In a statement to INQUIRER.net, Senator Gatchalian confirmed that his sources from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) verified the departure of Lin and Jian. “Yes. They left last May 20 and [have] not returned yet, according to the BI,” Gatchalian said.
Flight records cited by the senator show that Lin and Jian have traveled together extensively over the past seven to eight years, with the majority of their trips being to China. “Karamihan ay sa China. Almost — mga nasa 70 percent ay China. Yung iba, iba-iba na. Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan – iba iba na. Madalas silang bumiyahe, to be honest about it nakita ko sa flight records halos buwan-buwan bumabyahe sila,” Gatchalian elaborated, noting the frequency and variety of their travels.
(Most of it is to China. Almost — around 70 percent in China. The rest, it varies. There’s Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan — it varies. But to be honest, they often travel together. They travel almost every month.)
Mayor Alice Guo has recently been under intense scrutiny following allegations from the Senate panel on women regarding her purported connections to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Guo has consistently denied these allegations, along with accusations that she is acting as a Chinese spy.
Her parents’ departure adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations and public discourse surrounding Mayor Guo. Critics argue that the frequent international travel of Lin and Jian, particularly to China, raises further questions about the family’s activities and connections.
Despite the mounting pressure, Mayor Guo has remained resolute in her stance, asserting that the accusations against her are baseless. She has called for a fair and thorough investigation to clear her name and has emphasized her commitment to serving the people of Bamban.
Senator Gatchalian’s disclosure comes at a time when the issue of foreign interference and illegal activities associated with POGOs has garnered significant attention from lawmakers and the public. The Senate continues to investigate these matters, aiming to uphold the integrity of public office and national security.
As the investigation progresses, the public and officials alike await further developments, particularly concerning the whereabouts and actions of Lin Wen Yi and Jian Zhong Guo. Their absence from the country has only intensified the scrutiny on Mayor Alice Guo and her administration.