Alice Guo nabbed by Indonesian Police
Paulo Gaborni September 4, 2024 at 12:57 PM
MANILA, Philippines — Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, was detained in Indonesia on Wednesday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
In a statement, the DOJ reported that Guo was apprehended in Tangerang City, Jakarta.
Guo was arrested at around 1:00 am on Wednesday, September 4, according to the DOJ, citing information from Indonesian Police Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru.
“This development has been verified by our counterparts in Immigration, who have confirmed that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” the statement said.
Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla welcomed the news of Guo’s arrest.
“The arrest of Alice Guo is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice. We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed,” Remulla said in a statement.
Guo to Be Turned Over to NBI After Return to PH
In a radio interview with dwPM, NBI Director Jaime Santiago also confirmed the arrest.
“Yun ang report sa amin, it looks like na hawak na ng Indonesian police,” Santiago said.
According to Santiago, Guo will be turned over to the NBI and will face legal action before she is transferred to the Senate.
“Syempre pa-file-an namin siya ng charges, criminal charges before turning her over to (the) Senate,” Santiago said.
The former Bamban mayor currently has no court-issued arrest warrants, only one from the Senate for contempt.
Guo is expected to be returned to the country soon, as the Bureau of Immigration is collaborating with Indonesian counterparts to facilitate her repatriation
“Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco is currently coordinating with the Indonesian immigration authorities for her possible return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” said Gilbert Cruz, chief of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
Guo’s sister, Sheila Guo, and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were arrested last month and are currently incarcerated in the country.
Sheila stated that she and Alice left the Philippines by boat to Malaysia.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed two complaints against the former Bamban mayor: one for qualified human trafficking and the other for money laundering. These complaints are connected to her establishment of the leasing business Baofu.
The DOJ received evidence from multiple agencies indicating that Guo never separated from Baofu and that the business was actually a front for the illicit operations of Hong Sheng/Zun Yuan, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) that leased it.
📷 Philippine National Police