Marcos denies prisoner swap with Indonesia over Guo's arrest

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. clarified on Friday that no prisoner swap occurred between the Philippines and Indonesia following the arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Marcos stated there was no official request from Indonesia for a prisoner exchange, despite Indonesian media reports suggesting otherwise.

He noted that coordination with Indonesian authorities regarding Guo's arrest was intricate and sensitive due to his close relationship with Indonesian President Joko Widodo from frequent visits.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had previously disclosed that Jakarta police requested to exchange Guo for drug suspect Gregor Johan Haas, who was arrested in Cebu earlier this year.

Guo left the country in July despite being on the immigration lookout bulletin and returned to the Philippines on a private plane last Friday morning after her arrest in Tangerang City on September 3.

Marcos emphasized that Guo's return to Manila involved delicate negotiations over the past two days, facilitated by contacts in Indonesia.