
Philippine ‘Chinese spy’ mayor arrested
Last Updated on September 6, 2024 10:11 am
Former Philippine mayor Alice Guo has been arrested for allegedly working as a spy for China.
He was arrested from Indonesia on Tuesday. This is seen as an important step in the Philippines’ efforts to combat foreign interference.
He was arrested after an extensive investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
His arrest was made with the help of several intelligence agencies, which had been monitoring Mayor Guo’s activities for months, the BBC reported.
According to PNP sources, the mayor is accused of providing sensitive information to Chinese officials. This includes information on national security and infrastructure projects.
Alice Guo is accused of using her position to gather intelligence on behalf of China, which undermined the sovereignty of the Philippines.
However, the mayor’s arrest has had a major impact on the political scene in the Philippines. This is because the issue has raised concerns about the extent of foreign influence within the country’s local government units. The case is likely to lead to wider investigations into foreign power links with other officials.
According to sources inside the Philippine government, the mayor has been charged with treason and espionage, which he faces severe penalties under Philippine law.
The incident occurred at a time when the Philippines and China are engaged in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea and tensions are rising between the two.
The news of the arrest of a local government representative in the Philippines on charges of spying for China could further sour relations between the two countries.
While the Chinese embassy has yet to comment on the Manila mayor’s arrest, it is unclear how Beijing will respond to the allegations.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing the Philippine government in maintaining national security. As geopolitical tensions rise within the region.
Source: BBC