Two Associates of Alice Guo Arrested in Indonesia

Two associates of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo have been detained in Indonesia, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. confirmed on Thursday, August 22, 2024. The detained individuals are Cassandra Li Ong and Sheila Guo, Alice Guo’s sister.

Abalos received the update from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil. “I received a report last night galing kay [Philippine National Police chief Police General Rommel Marbil] na dalawa sa kasama niya ay naka-detain na sa Indonesia,” Abalos was quoted as saying in an ambush interview with GMA Network. (“I received a report last night from Police General Rommel Marbil that two of her companions are now detained in Indonesia.”)

According to a GMA Integrated News source, Ong and Sheila Guo were intercepted by Indonesian authorities as they were preparing to leave the country. The two are expected to be returned to the Philippines. Ong was the authorized representative of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) involved in a raid in Porac, Pampanga. Alice Guo faces charges related to a POGO hub raid in Bamban.

The Indonesian authorities are continuing their search for Alice Guo, who is believed to be in Batam, Indonesia. Abalos mentioned that the Philippine government is working through diplomatic channels to secure Guo’s return.

“Pinapa-check ko pa ito but what is important even sa ibang bansa through our police attaché ay kino-coordinate,” Abalos added. (“I am still having it checked, but what is important is that we are coordinating through our police attaché even in another country.”)

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Alice Guo, whose real name is Guo Hua Ping, left the Philippines for Malaysia on July 18. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has indicated that more cases will be filed against Guo in the coming weeks.

Documents revealed by Senator Risa Hontiveros’ office have also uncovered that Guo owned a helicopter, adding to the scrutiny surrounding her alleged involvement with illegal POGO activities in Bamban.

Read related article: Alice Guo Risks Prosecution in China Over POGO Allegations, Says Senator Gatchalian