Fugitive ex-mayor from the Philippines is arrested in Indonesia
NBCSep 18
Philippines: Fugitive Ex-Mayor Accused of Spying for China Arrested
Above: Bamban, Phillipines. Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
Alice Guo, former mayor of the Philippines' Bamban town who fled the country in July following allegations of being a Chinese spy, was arrested in Indonesia on Tuesday.
She was reportedly apprehended in the Indonesian city of Tangerang, near the capital Jakarta. Philippine Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said she would be brought back to the Philippines as early as Wednesday.
The Spin
Narrative A
Alice Guo's murky background and connections to questionable activities had set off alarm bells. Her ownership of land used by a Pogo, a controversial gambling operation linked to scams, and inconsistencies in her personal history raised red flags. Her vague responses to allegations only heighten suspicions.
Narrative B
Guo has served her town with integrity. She followed proper procedures when issuing a business permit to a controversial Pogo. She is being unfairly implicated in issues primarily under the jurisdiction of other regulatory bodies. She should take this opportunity to clear her name and uphold her reputation.