The extradition of Alice Guo to the Philippines after her arrest in Jakarta seems to have been part of a deal with Indonesian authorities to exchange her for Australian drug trafficking suspect Gregor Haas. Inspector General Krishna Murti of the Indonesian National Police’s International Relations Division mentioned that Haas’s extradition was discussed in exchange for Guo’s capture. This barter deal was characterized as a result of police-to-police cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines. While the Philippine government did not impose any formal conditions on handing over Haas, the Bureau of Immigration stated that he could not leave the country yet…

Vietnam’s new leader, To Lam, recently visited Beijing, showcasing the delicate balance between maintaining strong trade ties with China while asserting diplomatic influence in ASEAN. As tensions rise in the South China Sea, Lam’s strategic negotiations are crucial. By engaging in joint exercises with the Philippines in disputed waters, Vietnam is strengthening regional partnerships without upsetting China. This diplomatic finesse allows Hanoi to bolster alliances within ASEAN without compromising its principles. Vietnam’s active involvement in ASEAN has significantly boosted its economic growth, expanding trade and investments. The country’s relations with key ASEAN members like Cambodia and Laos have also deepened,…

The senator revealed that Alice Leal Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, was able to leave the country amidst a scandal involving ties to a gaming firm in her hometown. Despite being dismissed from her position and facing a lifetime ban from holding public office, Guo managed to depart, sparking questions about government involvement. Photos showed Guo in Singapore with her family, fueling speculations about her escape. A poster showing support for Bamban Mayor Alice Leal Guo in Bamban, province of Tarlac, on July 19. Photo: AFP Escaping Justice: The Mysterious Case of Alice Leal Guo Amidst legal troubles and…

A recent scandal involving Alice Guo, a former mayor of Bamban municipality in the Philippines, has unearthed a web of corruption, fraud, and possible foreign interference. Guo, who won the mayoral election in 2022 under controversial circumstances, faced scrutiny over her citizenship, ties to offshore gaming firms, and questionable personal history. Analysts speculate that Guo’s case is just the tip of the iceberg, pointing to systemic failures in government processes that enable such individuals to hold public office. The situation has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Philippine institutions to external influence and infiltration. Signs of malign influence? Recent reports…

In a surprising turn of events, even rival claimants can find common ground to nurture a relationship. Colonel Hoang Quoc Dat, head of the Vietnamese Coast Guard delegation, emphasized the importance of strengthening the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines for mutual benefit. Tran Thi Mong Tuyen of National Cheng Kung University highlighted the strategic partnership between the two countries, despite their disputes in the South China Sea. Manila and Hanoi have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, but are willing to engage in discussions to resolve disputes. Last month, defence officials from both countries met to enhance…

The Philippines Successfully Conducts its First Resupply Mission to Second Thomas Shoal Amidst Tensions with China The recent Rotation and Resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, grounded at Second Thomas Shoal, was deemed a positive step by experts. Despite concerns that China may misinterpret the mission, the Philippines successfully completed it without incident, following a provisional arrangement reached in bilateral talks earlier this month. China has previously attempted to disrupt similar missions, accusing the Philippines of reinforcing the outpost, but Manila refuted these claims. Experts advise continued vigilance and monitoring of China’s actions to ensure compliance with the…

Ferdinand Marcos Jnr announced a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) during his state of the nation address, citing ties to criminal activities like money laundering and human trafficking. The case of Mayor Guo, a fugitive linked to a raided Pogo compound, shed light on the issue of falsified birth certificates among Chinese nationals in the Philippines. This revelation has raised concerns about the exploitation of legal and administrative vulnerabilities by foreign actors, leading to a deeper investigation by authorities. Deputy Secretary Ona emphasized the need for integrated systems and data-sharing among government agencies to combat such crimes effectively.…

Tensions are reaching a boiling point in the Asia-Pacific, and the Philippines may find itself caught in the cross hairs. As China and Japan trade barbs over Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region, observers warn that any conflict between the two powers could have devastating spillover effects. Tokyo sounded the alarm in its latest defence whitepaper, warning that heightened Chinese military activity around Taiwan risks stoking escalating tensions. Japan fears that a crisis over the self-governing island could spill over to its own territory, with its westernmost island just 110km (68 miles) away. The Philippines, with significant workers in Taiwan,…

The escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea due to China’s military build-up has sparked concerns among Filipinos. The clash between Chinese coastguards and Philippine sailors has raised fears of a potential armed conflict. Various opinions on the matter reflect a mix of hope and despair. While some believe that diplomatic solutions are still possible, others worry about the lack of capabilities in the Philippine military to handle the situation. The need for international support to counter Chinese aggression is emphasized, along with calls for stronger actions from Philippine leaders. While the prospect of a direct conflict with China looms,…

A recent investigation by the commission has uncovered the presence of underground hospitals aiding fugitives in assuming fake identities to evade justice. These facilities offer a range of aesthetic alteration procedures, including dental implants, hair restoration, and facial rejuvenation, allowing individuals to transform their appearances entirely. Hospital beds found during the raid on a “Pogo hospital” in Pasay City, the Philippines. Photo: Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission/Handout Acting on a tip, the commission discovered an unlicensed hospital in Pasay City and enlisted the Bureau of Immigration to investigate. The raid resulted in the apprehension of foreign nationals practicing medicine without licenses…