World

Philippine House of Representatives hears allegations that former mayor is a Chinese spy

Sep 29, 2024

Manila [Philippines], September 29: The Philippine House of Representatives is investigating allegations that former Mayor Alice Guo is a Chinese spy, after it was mentioned by a Chinese tycoon.
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer on September 29, the accusation that former Mayor Alice Guo is a Chinese spy was raised again in the Philippine House of Representatives when lawmakers mentioned a documentary where her name appeared in the file of a Chinese tycoon detained in Thailand.
The Al Jazeera documentary about Mr. Xa Tri Giang was shown at the interrogation session of the Philippine House of Representatives on the evening of September 27, leading to an angry reaction from Ms. Guo, who is usually calm when questioned.
"I love the Philippines. I am not a spy. It is unfair that he said that about me," she said.
However, Rep. Margarita Nograles said there are many similarities between Ms. Guo's life and the "mission orders" allegedly given by Chinese spies as mentioned in the documentary.
"Chinese spies around the world , it seems like they have steps to take," said Ms. Nograles, adding that the similarities are hard to ignore.
According to the documentary, Mr. Xa is a " discarded Chinese spy " who is wanted in China and sanctioned by the UK. Involved in human trafficking and forced labor scams , he is currently detained in Thailand and trying to avoid deportation, according to the film.
In an interview, Mr. Xa said he had a file confirming the existence of Chinese spies, including "Guo Hua Ping" among the names listed. Ms. Alice Guo, former mayor of Bamban town (Tarlac province, Philippines) is suspected of having the real name Guo Hua Ping (Guo Hua Ping) although she has denied it so far.
Ms. Guo is currently in detention in the Philippines and faces charges of human trafficking, tax fraud and money laundering involving criminal proceeds totaling 100 million pesos (44 billion VND). She was stripped of her mayorship in August.
China has not commented on the suspicion that Ms. Guo is a spy for China or the information given by the Philippines.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper