Alice Guo cut her hair to conceal identity, NBI says

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago believes that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo cut her hair to conceal her identity.

“‘Yun nga para maitago ang kanyang identity. Meron nang lumabas, nakita na, ‘yung nai-share [ng] Indonesian police na talagang maikli na ang buhok niya. Nagpaputol ng buhok to conceal her identity,” Santiago said in a press briefing.

(She tried to conceal her identity. Photos have already been shared by the Indonesian police showing her hair is indeed very short. She had cut her hair to conceal her identity.)

Indonesian authorities arrested Guo in Tangerang City on early Wednesday morning. She is currently under the custody of the Indonesian Police.

In photos provided by authorities following her arrest, the hair of the former mayor is noticeably shorter than it was before she reportedly left the country in July.

Guo’s hair, which previously reached the middle of her back, had been cut to shoulder length. 

EXCLUSIVE: Video ng aktuwal na paghuli ng Indonesian police kay dismissed Mayor Alice Guo sa isang lungsod sa Indonesia.

Ayon sa source, nagpalipat-lipat ng puwesto si Guo at nagpaiksi pa ng buhok para maiwasan ang paghabol ng Indonesian authorities kasama ang BI, NBI at DOJ. |… pic.twitter.com/SRvaAKI1Xp

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) September 4, 2024

Meanwhile, Santiago said the apprehension showed the “long arm” of the law.

“Talagang napapatunayan natin. At maganda ang coordination natin sa Interpol, sa Indonesian police, maganda ang coordination natin,” he said.

(We have indeed proven it, and our coordination with Interpol and the Indonesian police has been excellent.)

During a hearing last week, Shiela Guo, the former mayor’s purported sister, said that she, Guo, and Wesley Guo left through several boats. 

TIMELINE: The escape of Alice Guo and her siblings

Guo is facing a human trafficking complaint in relation to the raided POGO hub as well as a money laundering complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

A quo warranto petition has also been filed against her before a Manila court as well as a petition to cancel her birth certificate before a Tarlac court. 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier said the arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo should serve as a warning to those attempting to evade justice in the country.

"Such is an exercise in futility," Marcos said in a video message posted after authorities announced Guo's arrest in Indonesia. "The arm of the law is long and it will reach you," said Marcos.

"I congratulate all law enforcement personnel who made this apprehension possible" he added. 

—VAL, GMA Integrated News