Arrest of fugitive mayor Alice Guo in Indonesia exposes vulnerabilities in Philippine security

Government officials say Alice Guo’s case has exposed weaknesses in the Philippines’ security apparatus, with analysts warning that corruption networks within the government are the “Achilles heel” in the fight against transnational crime.

Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed news of Guo’s arrest, saying he suspected Immigration Department officials were involved in enabling the fugitive ex-mayor and her associates to flee the country undetected.

“We will hold accountable anyone involved in these crimes, even government officials. As long as they have something to do (with the case), we will investigate them, find evidence and prosecute them,” Remulla said.

Guo, the former mayor of Bamban in Tarlac province, who is accused of having links to Chinese criminal organizations, was arrested around midnight on Tuesday in the Jakarta city of Tangerang, nearly a month after her escape from the Philippines was announced.