By Glaiza Salanio

On Wednesday, September 4, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has been arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian informed the media through text that Guo was nabbed in Tangerang City early in the morning.

“I was just informed by the NBI that Guo Hua Ping (also known as Alice Guo) was arrested in Tangerang City, Indonesia, at 01:30 on September 4, 2024. She is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” Sen. Gatchalian stated in his message.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago also confirmed the news after being informed by the Indonesian police.

“Yun ang report sa amin. It looks like na hawak na ng Indonesian police,” he said.

According to Dir. Santiago, Guo will be turned over to the NBI after initially being brought to the Bureau of Immigration.

He also mentioned that Guo would face legal action before going to the Senate.

“Syempre pa-file-an namin sya ng charges, criminal charges before turning her over to (the) Senate,” he declared.

The Escape

Based on the statements of Guo’s sister Shiela, the dismissed mayor fled the country on July 14 by boat, arriving on the shores of Sabah, Malaysia four days later on July 18; the statement was made amid doubts from local authorities.

The statement also contradicts Senator Risa Hontiveros’ communication that Guo left the country on July 18 for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia without passing through immigration authorities. 

The ex-mayor was only confirmed to be in Indonesia about a month after the alleged departure, with the Bureau of Investigation releasing a statement on August 20; 15 days later, Guo was confirmed to be arrested by Indonesian authorities.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. told the press that the mayor can be returned to the Philippines within today.