Indonesia arrests fleeing Filipino mayor sought in Philippines

ANKARA

Indonesian authorities arrested former mayor of a town in Philippines near capital Jakarta, Manila justice Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.

Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, was a mayor of Bamban in Tarlac province north of Manila, fled the Philippines in July.

“This development has been verified by our counterparts in Immigration, who have confirmed that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” state-run Philippines News Agency reported citing Department of Justice statement.

Last month, the Philippines Ombudsman dismissed Guo over grave misconduct and ordered her dismissal from service.

Earlier, a Senate committee, looking into the illegal gambling business, ordered Guo to appear before the committee but she refused. Later the committee ordered to arrest her and some senators blames the former Mayor to concealing her Chinese nationality to run for public office and accused her as Chinese spy.

She denied the allegations. However, she is facing several charges including human trafficking, tax evasion and illegal gambling business.

In a video statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked Indonesia government for their assistance to arrest her and said her case would be resolved soon.

“This government continues in its duty to apply the rule of law. Miss Guo shall be entitled to all legal protections due her under the laws of the land, and pursuant to our commitment to the rule of law,” the agency quoted Marcos as saying.

He added that the arrangements for Guo’s return are being finalized and she will be deported to Manila soon.

Philippines government has launched crackdown on online gambling hubs mostly owned by Chinese.

While the latest development comes after tension between Philippines and China grew over disputes in South China Sea.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid