GOTCHA! Alice Guo nabbed in Indonesia

National

FORMER Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, a key figure in several high-profile investigations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in the Philippines, was apprehended by Indonesian authorities late Tuesday night, September 3.

Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, was taken into custody in Tangerang City, part of the Greater Jakarta area, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Indonesian Police detained Guo at 11:58 p.m., and she is currently being held at Jatanras Mabes Polri.

The DOJ’s spokesperson, Mico Clavano, stated that immigration officials corroborated this development.

Philippine authorities, including the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), are actively coordinating with their Indonesian counterparts to facilitate Guo's swift return to the Philippines.

Guo’s arrest represents a critical development in a case that has gripped the Philippines.

She faces multiple allegations, including qualified human trafficking and money laundering charges tied to her involvement with Baofu, a leasing company suspected of fronting for illegal activities associated with the POGO Hong Sheng/Zun Yuan.

Evidence provided by various agencies suggests that Guo never divested from Baofu, further implicating her in the illegal operations.

The Senate began investigating Guo’s activities in May, following a raid on a casino in Bamban in March.

Authorities uncovered evidence of human trafficking and other illegal activities during the raid.

The investigation intensified when it was revealed that Guo’s fingerprints on election documents matched those of a Chinese citizen, raising significant questions about her true identity and citizenship.

After allegedly fleeing the Philippines by boat in mid-July, Guo's whereabouts remained unknown until her recent capture.

Previously, her sister Shiela and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were apprehended under similar circumstances and deported back to the Philippines.

While there was no court-issued warrant against her, Guo had evaded a Senate contempt order, likely contributing to her detention in Indonesia.

The DOJ and other Philippine agencies are now focused on ensuring that Guo faces the necessary legal processes back in the Philippines.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla noted that Guo's arrest underscored the dedication of law enforcement agencies and the effectiveness of international collaboration in holding fugitives accountable.

He stressed that the DOJ would oversee that all legal protocols are followed to ensure Guo faces justice for the crimes she is accused of.(MyTVCebu)