Senator Gatchalian Confident in the Arrest of Alice Guo in Indonesia

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed confidence on Monday that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo would soon be arrested in Indonesia. Guo, who is currently facing charges in the Philippines for her alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, has been on the run, but Gatchalian believes that her capture is imminent.

ASEAN on High Alert

Senator Gatchalian shared his optimism with reporters, stating that he had recently spoken with ASEAN ambassadors who confirmed that they are on high alert for Alice Guo’s whereabouts. “I believe she will be apprehended in Indonesia,” Gatchalian said, expressing his confidence that Indonesian enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation. He added that the increased vigilance among Southeast Asian authorities would make it increasingly difficult for Guo to evade capture in the region.

Recent Developments

This statement from Gatchalian comes just days after Guo’s sister, Shiela, and her alleged associate, Cassandra Li Ong, were intercepted in Indonesia. Their capture has heightened the scrutiny on Guo and her possible movements within Southeast Asia. The arrest of her associates has given law enforcement agencies additional leverage in tracking down Guo, who is considered a high-profile fugitive due to her alleged ties to illegal POGO operations.

Cooperation Among ASEAN Countries

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring that Guo is brought to justice. He noted that the ASEAN ambassadors he spoke with are fully aware of the situation and have instructed their respective authorities to be vigilant. “The enforcement agencies in Indonesia are already on alert, so it will be difficult for her to move around Southeast Asia,” Gatchalian said, highlighting the coordinated efforts among ASEAN countries to prevent Guo from finding refuge in the region.

The Case Against Guo

Alice Guo’s legal troubles stem from accusations that she was involved in illegal POGO activities, which have been a significant issue in the Philippines. POGOs, which are primarily run by Chinese nationals, have faced intense scrutiny from Philippine authorities due to their involvement in various illegal activities, including money laundering and tax evasion. The Philippine government has been cracking down on these operations, and Guo’s case is one of the highest-profile examples of this effort.

Indonesia’s Role in the Hunt

Indonesia has played a crucial role in the recent developments surrounding Guo’s case. The country’s law enforcement agencies have been actively cooperating with Philippine authorities to ensure that Guo and her associates do not find safe haven within their borders. The capture of Guo’s sister and her alleged associate in Indonesia indicates that the country is taking the matter seriously and is committed to assisting in the enforcement of regional law and order.

Moving Forward

As the hunt for Alice Guo continues, the Philippine government remains focused on ensuring that those involved in illegal POGO operations are held accountable. Senator Gatchalian’s confidence in Guo’s imminent arrest reflects the broader determination of Philippine authorities to bring justice to those who have violated the law. The collaboration among ASEAN countries in this effort demonstrates a unified stance against illegal activities that threaten the security and stability of the region.