Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is slated to return to the Philippines from Indonesia on Thursday night, as confirmed by Senator Raffy Tulfo, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Services. Guo, who had been evading capture, will be accompanied by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Rommel Marbil. The group is expected to depart Indonesia around 1 p.m. local time and is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines at approximately 6:18 p.m., according to Tulfo.
In a separate update, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla suggested that Guo’s arrival might be delayed until midnight. Remulla explained that Abalos’ return flight to Manila is set for 6 p.m., which could impact the expected arrival time. “In process, pero baka mamayang midnight. Paalis na yata ng 6 o’ clock flight. ‘Yun ang latest na alam ko,” Remulla said.
Abalos and Marbil landed in Jakarta early Thursday morning to facilitate Guo’s return. Abalos is carrying a Senate-issued warrant for Guo’s arrest. The Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation are actively involved in arranging her return to the Philippines, as stated by Tulfo.
Upon her arrival, Guo, who is also known as Guo Hua Ping, is expected to be detained at the Senate, as indicated by Senator Risa Hontiveros. This development follows serious allegations against Guo, including her alleged involvement in a Chinese-operated online gambling syndicate. Authorities have charged Guo with graft, money laundering, and human trafficking in connection to a raid on a scam farm in Bamban.
Guo had been on the run after being linked to illicit operations where hundreds of individuals were reportedly coerced into running scams or faced severe consequences. The case has drawn significant attention due to her alleged attempts to conceal her identity as a Chinese national posing as a Filipina to secure her political position.
The return of Guo marks a pivotal moment in the investigation and legal proceedings surrounding the scandal. The government’s efforts to apprehend and bring her back highlight the ongoing commitment to addressing corruption and criminal activities affecting the nation.