Alice Guo, the mayor of Bamban, Philippines, has gone into hiding amid accusations of being a Chinese spy, officials reported.
Police were unable to serve an arrest warrant over the weekend as Guo was not found at any of her known addresses.
In March, authorities uncovered scam centers in Bamban, disguised as online casinos catering to mainland Chinese.
Guo’s story has captivated the nation, as suspicions about her Chinese heritage and potential espionage activities for Beijing have come to light.
Her case has intensified as tensions between Manila and Beijing persist over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The Senate ordered Guo’s arrest, along with some family members, after she twice failed to attend hearings regarding the scam centers.
“Show yourselves. Hiding will not erase the truth,” stated Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is spearheading the investigation.
Guo has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she was raised by her Chinese father and Filipina mother on their pig farm.
However, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian claimed that Guo is a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping, according to immigration records.
“She is hiding to evade arrest,” Gatchalian told local radio, adding that tracker teams are actively searching for her.
On the day the arrest warrant was issued, Guo posted on Facebook, addressing her constituents and indicating her impending absence.
“Sorry for not being physically present with each one of you. I miss you all,” she wrote, assuring that her absence would be temporary.
She also expressed no regrets about entering politics, despite the personal toll it has taken. “I am a Filipino with a big heart for Bamban. I love the Philippines very much.”
Guo’s lawyer, Nicole Jamilla, told local television that her client intends to “definitely” cooperate with the investigation.
In addition to the Senate inquiry, Guo faces a separate anti-graft probe that has led to her suspension.
The scam centers in Bamban have highlighted how Philippine Online Gaming Operations (Pogos) have been used as fronts for various criminal activities, including text scams and human trafficking.
Some crime rings operating under the guise of Pogos have even established hospitals to provide cosmetic surgery for fugitives.
Pogos thrived during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, which ended in 2022, marked by close relations with China.
However, under current President Ferdinand Marcos, these operations are under increased scrutiny.
If it is proven that Guo is a Chinese citizen, she would be ineligible to serve as mayor, as only Filipino citizens can hold elective office.
Despite this, her social outreach programs have garnered significant support from her constituents. “Guo brought change to Bamban, and its people are thankful,” said resident Erica Miclat on ANC television.
Source-BBC
