Former Philipines Mayor arrested in Indonesia for illegal China links

Former Philipines Mayor Alice Guo was arrested in Indonesia on suspicion of having links to Chinese criminal organizations. She also carried another name, Guo Hua Ping.

Her arrest came after the Philipinian Ministry of Justice stated Alice holds Chinese nationality. The Philippine Senate wanted Guo for her refusal to appear before the congressional investigation into her suspected criminal connections.

However, Alice has rejected these allegations. She emphasized that she is a natural-born citizen of the Philipines and that allegations against her are “malicious claims.”

PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo shows a photograph of Alice Guo after she was caught in Indonesia @PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/4871JInLnT
— manny tupas (@manueltupas) September 4, 2024

Philippine Justice Department also passed a statement regarding Alice’s recent arrest saying this development their counterparts in Indonesia have confirmed that Alice is in the custody of Indonesian Police.

Philippians Justice Secretary Boying Remulla stated Alice’s arrest is evidence of the tireless efforts of their law enforcement officials and the power of international cooperation.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the arrest of the absconder Mayor became possible due to close cooperation between Indonesian and Philipinian authorities.

The departure of 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗼 has laid bare the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust.

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥: 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹.

We will 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 the culprits who have betrayed the people's trust and aided in her… pic.twitter.com/70KiZX5Zre
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) August 20, 2024

Indonesian police arrested the former Philipines Mayor about 100 kilometers north of Manila in Tangerang City, Jakarta at 11:58 p.m. on Sep 3, 2024.

Indonesian media posted an arrest video of Alice. Law enforcement officials took her into custody while escorting her down a stairway with white walls.

This arrest came after the Department of Justice received joint money laundering complaints from Philippine law enforcement authorities last month. It included Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMCL) complaints against Alice and 35 others.

LOOK: Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla held a press conference on the arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, highlighting the coordinated efforts between local and int'l authorities in the case. #DOJPH #BagongPilipinas pic.twitter.com/B8g8FdWzrT
— Department of Justice (DOJ) (@dojphofficial) September 4, 2024

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AMCL accused Alice and her co-conspirators of laundering over 100 million pesos ($1.8m) in collaboration with a Chinese criminal organization.

Following this, the Philippine government removed Alice from office as Bamban mayor and she fled to Malaysia in July 2024. After, she moved to Singapore and then Indonesia using her Philippine passport.

Philippian law enforcement officials were tracking her down and approached Indonesian authorities to help them arrest Alice. Indonesia will deport her to the Philippines as part of an official investigation against her.