Filipino fugitive ex-mayor arrested in Indonesia – DW – 09/04/2024

A former Philippine mayor who went on the run after being accused of money laundering and ties to the Chinese mafia has been arrested in Indonesia, authorities in Manila said on Wednesday.

Alice Guo was arrested in Jakarta and is currently in the custody of Indonesian police, the Philippine Department of Justice said in a statement.

Guo is wanted by the Philippine Senate after she refused to cooperate with a congressional investigation into her alleged criminal activities.

According to officials in Manila, Philippine authorities are working with their Indonesian counterparts to secure her extradition.

What are the charges against Guo?

Guo is accused of corruption, money laundering and human trafficking in connection with a scam uncovered in the Philippine city of Bamban, where she previously served as mayor.

Guo and her accomplices are suspected of laundering more than 100 million pesos (1.8 million dollars, 1.63 million euros) in criminal proceeds.

According to authorities, a Chinese online gambling center like Guo forced hundreds of people to commit fraud out of fear of torture.

She is also suspected of having falsified her identity to run for office. Authorities say her fingerprints match those of a Chinese national, Guo Hua Ping.

Guo claims she is a natural-born Filipino citizen and calls the allegations “malicious.”

No escape from the law, says president

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed Guo’s arrest in Indonesia, saying it was possible thanks to “the close cooperation between our two governments.”

“We are already finalizing arrangements for Alice Guo’s return today,” the president’s statement said.

Marcos Jr. also said on social media that Philippine authorities will come and pick up everyone who “helped her escape.”

He added that an investigation is underway.