Manhunt Ends: Government Forces Apprehend Guo and Quiboloy in Separate Operations

The recent apprehensions of fugitives Alice Guo and Apollo Quiboloy have drawn significant attention in the Philippines, underscoring persistent apprehensions surrounding corruption and illicit activities associated with political personalities. Both Guo and Quiboloy are facing significant allegations – Guo is linked to organized crime and money laundering in the POGO industry while Quiboloy is accused of child abuse and human trafficking. These incidents underscore persistent concerns surrounding corruption and illicit activities associated with political figures and other highly influential individuals. 

Alice Guo

Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo was arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday, September 4. Guo had secretly fled the Philippines in July, reportedly traveling through Malaysia and Singapore before reaching Indonesia using her Philippine passport. The arrest came after a Senate investigation into her alleged links to Chinese criminal organizations and participation in illegal online gambling. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier vowed to identify and prosecute those responsible for helping Guo escape. He also pledged a thorough investigation, stating that “heads will roll” to ensure those involved face punishment. Moreover, the president also expressed anger over the apparent corruption that facilitated her leave. 

Additionally, Malacañang announced on Monday, September 9, that Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco has been terminated. 

Apollo Quiboloy

On Sunday, September 8, Apollo Quiboloy, the fugitive leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), along with four others were arrested by authorities. There are, however, conflicting reports about the nature of the arrest operations as of this writing. After a standoff lasting more than two weeks in KOJC compound in Davao City, several attempts were made to negotiate Quiboloy’s surrender. 

Pastor Quiboloy is known for his extensive connections to Philippine politicians, particularly to the Duterte family. Quiboloy served as spiritual advisor to former President Duterte, and the former President has served as the administrator of the properties of the KOJC after the start of Quiboloy’s escalating legal troubles.  Vice President Sara Duterte attended the 39^th anniversary of the KOJC held on the compound in Davao, held even as Police conducted their search operations for the fugitive pastor.  

PSA notes that the recent apprehensions of Alice Guo and Apollo Quiboloy may reflect President Marcos taking a more direct and active role in tackling high-level crimes committed by politically powerful individuals. Critics of President Marcos have often accused him of being a “weak leader” and relatively hands off in terms of his style of governance. However, the President’s pledge that “heads will roll” among corrupt officials who facilitated Guo’s exit from the Philippines, as well as the resources that the national government has been willing to devote to a prolonged and difficult search for Quiboloy, might indicate a different approach from the President.