By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.
In a statement, the DOJ said Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Sept. 3, according to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.
“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 DOJ said.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed the development, saying Guo’s arrest is a testament to the tireless efforts of 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. The DOJ is committed to pursuing justice and will continue to coordinate closely with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the necessary legal procedures,” he said.
Guo is facing complaints about her alleged involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country and questions about her citizenship.
Despite being the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin due to the ongoing investigations, Guo was able to leave the country last July 18.
Guo reportedly headed to Malaysia, arrived in Singapore on July 21, and traveled to Indonesia on Aug. 18.
Guo’s sister, Sheila, and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were earlier arrested in Indonesia and already sent back to the Philippines.
During the Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, Sheila admitted she left the country with the dismissed mayor by boat.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is expecting the return of the dismissed mayor to the country anytime soon following her arrest in Indonesia.
“We have immediately forwarded the information to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Executive Secretary. The information has been confirmed by our immigration counterparts in Indonesia, and we are very happy with this development,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.
The BI chief also believes Guo’s return to the Philippines will shed light on many questions about her illegal departure, as well as allow her to face the charges filed against her.
Guo is facing human trafficking and tax evasion charges filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, respectively.
She is also facing a material misrepresentation case before the Commission on Elections for allegedly providing false information in her certificate of candidacy in the 2022 polls. (with a report from Ferdinand Patinio)