Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines — Unseated Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo has been arrested in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia, government authorities said on Wednesday.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) said based on information provided by Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police, Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, was apprehended at 11:58 p,m. on Tuesday.

«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,» the DoJ said.

In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla described the arrest of Guo as a «testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.»

«We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed,» Remulla said.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he got the information of Guo's arrest from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

«We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Indonesian authorities and the NBI for their prompt apprehension of Guo Hua Ping (aka Alice Guo) and her associates,» Gatchalian said in a text message to reporters. The senator, along with colleague Risa Hontiveros, has been at the forefront of the Senate's ongoing investigation on Guo and her alleged links to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating illegally under her jurisdiction.

The senator said since Guo has been caught, she must be held accountable for the charges filed against her, such as human trafficking, money laundering, quo warranto, violation of the order of the Senate, and others.

«She must be responsible for this in our country,» he emphasized.

Gatchalian stressed that after the NBI and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) processed Guo, she should also be brought to the Senate because only the Senate has an outstanding arrest warrant against her.

The senator also said that Guo should disclose the identity of her accomplice in the criminal activities in Bamban and identify who was aiding her from within the government. «We require specific names so that we can