Former Mayor Alice Guo Returns to Philippines to Face Senate Over Crime Links
Alice Guo, a former mayor who was accused of having connections to Chinese organized crime, has come back to the Philippines. She is expected to face the Senate regarding these accusations.
Arrival in Manila
Guo arrived in Manila early Friday morning, wearing an orange T-shirt marked ‘detainee’ and a black face mask. She traveled on a chartered jet from Jakarta, where she was arrested for immigration offenses. She was accompanied by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil.
Death Threats and Security
Upon her arrival, Guo mentioned that she had been the target of death threats. She mostly kept her back to the media and looked at the wall. Interior Secretary Abalos promised to provide security for her but urged her to disclose all names involved to serve justice.
Background and Allegations
Guo, who was the mayor of Bamban town in Tarlac province, fled the country in July. She is wanted by the Philippine Senate for not appearing before a panel investigating her alleged links to Chinese organized crime syndicates running cyberscam operations. She denies all allegations, calling them ‘malicious’.
Legal Actions
Philippine law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), have filed several counts of money laundering against Guo and 35 others. The Senate’s investigation started in May after a raid on a casino in Bamban revealed a scamming center on land partly owned by her. She was removed as mayor in August for grave misconduct related to illegal gaming operations.
Doubts Revealed
Mayor -: A mayor is a person who is elected to be the leader of a city or town. They help make decisions and manage the city’s services.
Philippines -: The Philippines is a country made up of many islands in Southeast Asia. It has a lot of beautiful beaches and a rich culture.
Senate -: The Senate is a part of the government where important people meet to make and discuss laws. It’s like a big meeting room for leaders.
Organized crime -: Organized crime refers to groups of people who work together to do illegal activities, like stealing or cheating people.
Jakarta -: Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia, another country in Southeast Asia. It’s a very busy and big city.
Immigration offenses -: Immigration offenses are when someone breaks the rules about entering or staying in a country. For example, staying without permission.
Interior Secretary -: The Interior Secretary is a government official who helps manage the country’s internal affairs, like safety and security.
Police Chief -: The Police Chief is the top leader of the police force in a city or country. They make sure the police do their job well.
Cyberscam -: A cyberscam is a trick done using the internet to steal money or information from people.
Malicious -: Malicious means something done with the intention to harm or hurt someone. It’s like being very mean on purpose.
Casino -: A casino is a place where people go to play games and gamble, hoping to win money.
Bamban -: Bamban is a place in the Philippines. It’s known for its natural beauty and local culture.
