Written By Lisa Murimi
Bamban, Philippines – A small town mayor in the Philippines, Alice Guo, has gone into hiding following accusations of being a Chinese spy, officials confirmed. Police were unable to execute an arrest warrant for Guo over the weekend as she was not found at her known addresses.
In March, scam centers hidden within online casinos catering to mainland Chinese were uncovered in Bamban, Guo’s jurisdiction. Her dramatic story has gripped the nation, with suspicions about her Chinese parentage and potential espionage activities for Beijing fueling public interest.
The Senate ordered Guo’s arrest last Friday after she failed to attend hearings on the scam centers. “Show yourselves. Hiding will not erase the truth,” stated Senator Risa Hontiveros, leading the investigation.
Guo has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that her Chinese father and Filipina mother raised her on a pig farm. However, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian claims Guo is a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping, based on immigration records. “She is hiding to evade arrest,” Gatchalian said on local radio.
On the day of the arrest warrant, Guo posted on Facebook, indicating her absence would be “temporary” and expressing her love for Bamban and the Philippines. Her lawyer, Nicole Jamilla, assured that Guo would cooperate with investigations.
Aside from the Senate investigation, Guo is also the subject of an anti-graft probe leading to her suspension. The scam centers have highlighted how online casinos, or Pogos, have been used for various criminal activities. Pogos flourished under former President Rodrigo Duterte but face increased scrutiny under current President Ferdinand Marcos.
If proven a Chinese citizen, Guo would be ineligible to serve as mayor. Despite this, her social outreach programs have earned her local support. “Ms Guo brought change to Bamban,” resident Erica Miclat told ANC television.
