MANILA, Philippines – The return of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Guo to the Philippines could be delayed following the request of the Indonesian government to swap the controversial ex-town chief with an Australian national wanted in their country for drug charges.
Justice Secretary Crispin “Boying” Remulla earlier confirmed a report that Indonesian authorities want Gregor Johann Haas, an Australian national facing drug charges in Indonesia and who was arrested by Philippine immigration officials last May in exchange for Guo, who slipped to Malaysia, Singapore and lastly in Indonesia to evade her arrest.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty however said there has not been any formal request from the Indonesian government that confirms reports of their local media.
“Itong hinihinala nating gusto nila ay nasa kustodiya ng BI. Kahapon, naisip namin baka maging hadlang ito. Gusto nilang makuha itong tao na ito. Sa ngayon, wala pang pormal na hiling, so tingnan natin kung ano ang mangyayari,” Ty said in a Teleradyo Serbisyo interview.
However a swap would most likely delay Guo’s return as such an agreement would need to get through diplomatic channels. The Philippines meanwhile does not see a problem transferring Haas’ custody to Indonesian authorities but prefers Guo’s return be done first.
“Mas maganda sana kung hindi kaliwaan. Kung pwede sana maunang makauwi dito si Alice Guo tapos saka na pag-usapan itong hiling ng Indonesia,” Ty said.
After months of hiding, Guo was finally arrested in Tangerang City, Jakarta Indonesia last Wednesday, September 4.
The Philippine government has requested for Guo’s extradition. The BI and the National Bureau of Investigation are already coordinating with Indonesian authorities to secure the controversial ex-mayor’s return.
President Marcos has expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian government for their cooperation in facilitating the arrest of Guo as well as her companions in their country.
Shiela Guo who was initially identified as the ex-mayor’s sister was arrested weeks ago, as well as Cassandra Ong, authorized representative of Lucky South 99 POGO hub already faced congressional hearings seeking their involvement in illegal offshore gaming operations.
