Authorities from the Philippines and Indonesia are discussing a potential prisoner swap involving fugitive POGO mayor Alice Guo and an Australian drug smuggling suspect wanted by Jakarta.
Guo, accused of links to Chinese criminal syndicates, was arrested on September 3rd in Tangerang City, near Jakarta, after more than a month on the run. She is wanted by the Philippine Senate for failing to attend a congressional inquiry into her alleged criminal connections.
According to reports, Indonesian officials have stated that she will be deported to the Philippines, though the exact timing of her return has not yet been determined. The timing depends on the results of the police investigation, according to Indonesia’s Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas.
Jakarta hopes Manila will reciprocate by extraditing Gregor Haas, a fugitive wanted by Indonesia’s anti-drug agency. The Australian national, arrested in Cebu in May, faces accusations of drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, Philippine Department of Justice officials clarified on Tuesday that Indonesia has not made a formal request for a prisoner swap. Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty stated in an interview on Dobol B TV, as reported by GMA News Online, that there is no official request from Indonesia regarding the proposed swap and that it remains only a possibility. He emphasized the need to focus on Guo’s immediate deportation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Guo’s lawyer Stephen David expressed relief at her safe apprehension. David noted that this development allows the legal team to address the allegations against her and expressed concern for her health, safety, and security. He also suggested that this event could be a positive turning point for her cases.
