Written By Lisa Murimi
Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor accused of spying for China, has been arrested in Indonesia after weeks on the run.
Guo, who had eluded authorities since July, was captured near Jakarta on Tuesday, marking the end of an international manhunt that spanned four countries.
Philippine authorities accuse Guo of protecting online casinos in her hometown of Bamban, which allegedly served as fronts for scam centers and human trafficking syndicates.
Despite denying the charges, Guo’s case has ignited widespread outrage in the Philippines, especially after her sister’s arrest and questioning by the Philippine Senate.
The allegations against Guo include claims that she provided cover for criminal gangs and was a Chinese spy.
Investigators matched her fingerprints to a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping, further fueling suspicions.
Her arrest has drawn significant attention as tensions between the Philippines and China continue to simmer over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Guo would be extradited as early as Wednesday, warning others that “the arm of the law is long and it will reach you.”
Guo’s case has exposed deep-rooted corruption and has prompted Marcos to crack down on crimes linked to Philippine Online Gaming Operations (Pogos), which flourished under his predecessor.
