The Indonesian government has officially requested a prisoner exchange in the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, according to Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. This request has added a significant layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic discussions surrounding Guo’s arrest and possible deportation.
Alice Guo was apprehended early Wednesday morning in Tangerang City by Indonesian authorities and is currently under the custody of the Indonesian National Police. The request from Jakarta involves swapping Guo with Gregor Johan Haas, a dru6 suspect currently detained in the Philippines.
Haas, an Australian national, was arrested on May 15 in Bogo, Cebu by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, acting on a Red Notice issued by Interpol. Haas faces severe charges of dru6 smu6gling, a crime that carries the de4th penalty in Indonesia. He is believed to be connected to the infamous Sinaloa dru6 cartel of Mexico.
When asked if the complexities he had previously mentioned regarding Guo’s deportation involved Jakarta’s request to exchange her for Haas, Remulla confirmed, “Yes, what I mentioned earlier.”
Guo’s case has garnered significant attention due to her involvement in various legal controversies in the Philippines. She is facing a human trafficking complaint related to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, along with a money laundering case before the Department of Justice (DOJ). Additionally, a quo warranto petition and a petition to cancel her birth certificate have been filed against her in Philippine courts.
Unlike her purported sister, Shiela Guo, and another associate, Cassandra Li Ong, who were quickly deported from Indonesia last August, the process of returning Alice Guo to the Philippines is expected to be more intricate. The DOJ is preparing to send a team of senior prosecutors and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents to oversee her return.
The DOJ is also scrutinizing the potential involvement of immigration personnel in Guo’s unauthorized departure from the Philippines. “Nagpupuslit papasok nung araw yung Pastillas. Pastillas Gang. At nagpupuslit din sila palabas. Kaya alam natin meron talagang gumagawa niyan sa Immigration. Iyon ang ating tinitignan ngayon,” Remulla remarked, referencing the notorious Pastillas Gang, known for smuggling activities.
Remulla expressed frustration with Bureau of Immigration Chief Norman Tansingco, who failed to immediately inform him about Guo’s departure. Tansingco admitted to learning about her exit on August 15 but only informed the DOJ five days later. “Kasi nung nangyari ito, hindi niya naman ako sinabihan kaagad. Marahil alam niya na matagal yan bago ko nalaman. Hindi tama yung ganun klaseng asal na hindi mo papaalam sa DOJ secretary yung nangyayari sa opisina nya,” Remulla criticized.
As these discussions unfold, the final outcome of this potential prisoner exchange remains uncertain, with both governments weighing their legal and diplomatic options.
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