Ex-Bamban mayor evades PH authorities in SEA

Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is reportedly trying to evade Philippine authorities by entering Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia.

Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has informed ASEAN ambassadors that their respective authorities have been alerted to watch for Guo, who fled the Philippines in mid-July.

Guo's sister Shiela and associate Cassandra Li-Ong were recently arrested in Batam, Indonesia and are expected to appear before congressional hearings this week.

Philippine officials warn against canceling Guo's passport as it could lead to her being recognized by the UN as a stateless person with legal protections under international refugee laws.

Guo is accused of involvement in illegal gambling operations across ASEAN countries, making her arrest more challenging once she enters the Golden Triangle region.