Philippine Police Hunt Mayor Accused of Espionage and Running Fake Casinos

Alice Guo, the Mayor of Bamban town in the Philippines,  is now a fugitive, facing serious allegations of being a Chinese spy and running fake casinos. According to a recent BBC article, authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Guo. However, she has gone into hiding, evading law enforcement and bolstering suspicions regarding her involvement in illegal activities.

Guo Faces Significant Scrutiny

The Philippines’ Senate issued the arrest warrant after Guo ignored two summons to explain her activities. The Senate has now called for a widespread search for the mayor, involving all law enforcement agencies in the country with police powers. Senators have emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to apprehend Guo, who stands accused of operating scam centers disguised as online casinos catering to Chinese nationals.

The allegations against Guo are significant and multifaceted. Besides being accused of espionage for China, Guo allegedly ran scam centers involved in text scams, human trafficking, and other criminal activities. Reports suggest that these activities operated under the guise of legitimate online casinos, further complicating the task of law enforcement.

In an even more shocking revelation, some criminal rings associated with these casinos reportedly operated clandestine hospitals providing cosmetic surgeries to fugitives, helping them alter their appearances and evade capture. Guo’s troubles don’t end with the espionage allegations. She is also under investigation for corruption, and her nationality is under scrutiny. 

Her Actions Could Have International Repercussions

The case against Guo unfolds among increasing tension between the Philippines and China. Relations between the two countries have been strained, particularly over issues in the South China Sea. While the Chinese embassy officially supports the Philippines’ crackdown on offshore gambling and human trafficking, a possible connection between Guo and Chinese interests could significantly undermine this position.

Senate president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada has called for an all-hands-on-deck approach to locate Guo. Other senators like Sherwin Gatchalian echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of involving various enforcement agencies like the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation in the search efforts, ensuring Guo does not flee abroad.

All government agencies with police powers need to team up in order to find Guo.

Jinggoy Estrada, Philippines Senate president pro tempore

Guo’s lawyer appeared before a local TV station, stating that the mayor would cooperate with authorities. Despite her alleged crimes and possible Chinese heritage, many of her constituents remain thankful for her contribution to Bamban town, as her social programs won the approval of locals. As the search intensifies, the case will continue to attract national and international attention.