Alice Guo: Investigating the Escape of a Controversial Former Mayor

Alice Guo's Controversial Escape

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday his government was investigating how Alice Guo, a former town mayor accused of ties with Chinese criminal syndicates, managed to flee the country. Marcos warned that “heads will roll” a day after he ordered Guo’s Philippine passport canceled following her escape, which was confirmed based on foreign immigration records.

“We will expose the culprits who have betrayed the people’s trust and aided in her flight,” Marcos said in a statement. “Those responsible will be suspended and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” Guo, wanted by the Senate for refusing to attend hearings on her alleged criminal ties, denies the accusations, insisting she is a natural-born Philippine citizen facing “malicious accusations.”

Background of the Investigation

• The Senate investigation began in May after authorities raided a casino in Guo’s sleepy farming town of Bamban in March.
• Authorities uncovered what they claimed were scams perpetrated from a facility built on land partially owned by Guo.
• Guo was removed from office by the Ombudsman for grave misconduct.

A spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission stated that Guo traveled to Malaysia and Singapore last month and to Indonesia this month using her Philippine passport. Guo’s lawyer, Stephen David, contended that she was still in the Philippines without providing further details.