Alice Guo, ex-mayor of Bamban, Tarlac of Philippines, has been arrested in Jakarta.
According to Asian news media, the fugitive ex-mayor was arrested in Tangerang City in Jakarta, Indonesia. She was wanted by the Philippine Senate for refusing to attend a congressional probe on her alleged criminal ties. She has denied the accusations, maintaining that they were “malicious.”
“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 Philippines' Justice Department said in a statement.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said all legal procedures will be followed to hold the former mayor responsible for her alleged crimes.
Alice Guo, former mayor of Bamban, had first demanded a fair probe in June following allegations of her supposed involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities. She was later suspended and expelled from her party and charged with human trafficking.
In August, the Philippines Ombudsman ordered Guo’s dismissal from service and forfeiture of her retirement benefits, permanently banning her from holding public office. This was shortly before Guo left the country, and was arrested later in Jakarta.
In the meantime, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros warned of the possible “rebranding” of POGOs following the recent raid on a suspected POGO hub in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
“I am urging our law enforcement agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the President's total ban.” she said.
