Senate President Francis Escudero has tagged the arrest of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo in Indonesia as a “crucial breakthrough” in local efforts to dismantle organized crime networks linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
“The arrest of Alice Guo is a crucial breakthrough in our fight against organized crime and corruption. Her capture not only moves us closer to bringing her to justice but also offers a chance to uncover the illegal POGO operations that have plagued our country,” Escudero said.
The Senate President praised the effective collaboration between Philippine and Indonesian law enforcement agencies that led to Guo’s arrest in Tangerang City, Jakarta.
“The success of this operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cross-border criminal activities. I commend both our law enforcement agencies and their Indonesian counterparts for their coordinated efforts,” Escudero said.
Also known as Guo Hua Ping, Alice is wanted by the Senate for her refusal to attend congressional hearings regarding her alleged involvement with Chinese criminal syndicates.
The Department of Justice has since confirmed that Guo is now in the custody of Indonesian authorities, with plans underway to expedite her extradition to the Philippines.
“With Alice Guo in custody, we can move forward with holding her accountable for her alleged crimes and uncovering the full extent of her criminal activities,” Escudero said.
