In a stunning development that has captured international attention, a video showing the arrest of Alice Guo, a former Philippine town mayor, has gone viral. Guo, who fled the Philippines amid allegations of involvement in an illegal online gaming and scam operation, was apprehended by Indonesian authorities in Jakarta. The video shows the tense moments leading up to her arrest, including police entering her residence while she was asleep and conducting a thorough search of her quarters.
Alice Guo, whose real name is Guo Hua Ping, was wanted in the Philippines for her alleged role in helping to establish a large-scale illegal online gambling operation that primarily catered to clients in China. The former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, had been on the run since July, evading Philippine authorities by moving across Southeast Asia. After tracking her to Malaysia and Singapore, she was finally caught in Indonesia in a dramatic midnight operation on Tuesday.
The Arrest Operation
The video, which has gone viral, offers a glimpse into how Indonesian authorities carried out the operation. According to the footage, police officers arrived at a house in Tangerang, a city near Jakarta, late at night. After knocking on the door and entering the premises, the officers found Guo asleep in her room. As the video progresses, the police can be seen searching her belongings and inspecting her room, a scene that has sparked significant public interest.
Khrisna Murti, head of the International Division of Indonesia’s National Police, confirmed that Guo’s arrest was the result of close cooperation between Filipino and Indonesian law enforcement. “This is a significant milestone in our partnership with the Philippines in combating transnational crime,” Murti said in a press statement.
Charges Against Alice Guo
Guo, who served as mayor of Bamban until her dismissal, is accused of helping to build a massive complex in her town that served as a hub for illegal online gambling operations. The gambling and scam center primarily targeted Chinese clients, where gambling is strictly prohibited. Reports suggest that Guo facilitated the establishment of this network near the town hall, turning the small rural town into a focal point for illegal online activities.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to Indonesian authorities for their swift action. “This arrest serves as a strong message that evading justice is not an option,” Marcos said, adding that efforts are underway to expedite Guo’s deportation to the Philippines, where she faces multiple criminal charges.
Awaiting Deportation and Extradition
After her arrest, Guo was taken into custody and is awaiting deportation back to the Philippines. Indonesian officials have confirmed that they are working closely with their Filipino counterparts to ensure a smooth handover of the fugitive.
Philippine officials, including Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Philippine National Police Chief General Rommel Marbil, flew to Indonesia on September 5, 2024, to personally escort Guo back to the Philippines. They arrived in Jakarta early Thursday morning, just hours after Guo’s arrest.
Guo’s Return to the Philippines
On Friday, September 6, 2024, Guo was flown back to the Philippines on a chartered flight. The plane carrying Guo landed at the Royal Star Aviation hangar in Pasay City at 1:10 AM. Secretary Abalos and General Marbil, who accompanied Guo on the flight, were present during her arrival.
The Philippine government has yet to confirm the specific charges Guo will face, but the case has already attracted widespread media attention, both locally and internationally. As investigations continue, the arrest of Alice Guo serves as a reminder of the challenges authorities face in combating cross-border criminal activities.
The video of the actual arrest of Alice Guo in Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/tBGlC2l8LY
— Thea Tan (@theadtan) September 5, 2024
The viral video of her arrest has only intensified public interest in the case, with many eagerly awaiting further developments in the legal proceedings against the former mayor.