MANILA, Philippines — Following the arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, President Marcos personally thanked the Indonesian government for their “assistance” in arresting the mayor.
Marcos said that Guo’s arrest should serve as a warning to those who would attempt to “evade” justice, saying that “the long arm of the law will reach them.”
“The public may not know the intricate details of this mission that you have successfully accomplished. But on their behalf, accept my thanks. The Philippines also thanks the Indonesian Government for their assistance on this matter. The close cooperation between our two governments has made this arrest possible,” he said.
“I congratulate all law enforcement personnel who made this apprehension possible,” President Marcos said.
Citing a tip from Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police, Guo was arrested in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia, early Wednesday, according to the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Immigration.
President Marcos said Guo’s arrest should be a warning that trying to escape justice is pointless.
He also said that the government will keep enforcing the law and ensure Guo receives all legal protections as guaranteed by Philippine law and the country’s commitment to justice.
“But we will not allow this to prolong the resolution of the case, whose outcome will be a victory for the Filipino people,” he said.
Guo is linked to multiple illegal activities associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations in Bamban.
Despite a standing Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against them, Guo and her siblings were reported to have left the country in July.
On August 20, Indonesian immigration officials apprehended Guo’s sister, Sheila, and Cassandra Li Ong, an incorporator of Lucky South 99, at a shopping mall in Riau, Indonesia.
