PM Weighs In on Gamboa Visa Revocation

A high-ranking police officer remains at the center of a growing controversy tonight. Superintendent Aaron Gamboa, head of the Special Patrol Unit, was stopped from boarding a U.S.-bound flight over the weekend after his visa was flagged by American authorities. Gamboa says he has no idea why and denies any wrongdoing, even as speculation swirls about possible links to past investigations. He planned to consult his attorney and the U.S. Embassy to clear his name. Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters today that he was unaware of the revocation and stressed that the U.S. has the right to revoke visas at any time, but admitted the situation is concerning given Gamboa’s powerful post. Here’s more on what the PM had to say.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“No, I haven’t heard about that. I did not even know that they were going to revoke Mr. Gamboa’s visa. But if you want details, I think you need to speak with the US Embassy because I have no idea why they did that.”

 

Reporter

“Is it concerning for you, considering his post in the police department?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Of course it is, of course it is, but we don’t know. I was out, and I think if the US Embassy, if they think it is something very serious I think they would bring it to my attention. And if they bring it to my attention then I will act.”

 

Reporter

“What happens in the event that multiple police officers, senior police officers, because there is a list that’s circulating, a proposed list? Multiple senior police officers have had their visas revoked.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think we are jumping way ahead. I think we need to wait and see what’s going to happen. But again, the United States, when they give you a visa, they give you the permission to visit their country and they have the right to be able to revoke their visa at any time. And the United States is not the only country to visit in the world.”