The arrest of fugitive mayor Alice Guo in Indonesia reveals security gaps in the Philippines

Government officials say the Alice Guo case has exposed weaknesses in the Philippine security apparatus. Analysts warn that corrupt networks within the government are the “Achilles heel” in the fight against transnational crime.

Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the news of Guo's arrest and said he suspected immigration officials were involved in allowing the fugitive ex-mayor and her companions to flee the country undetected.

“We will hold everyone involved in these crimes accountable, even government officials. As long as they do something [with the case]we will investigate them, find evidence and prosecute them,” Remulla said.

Guo, the former mayor of Bamban in Tarlac province who is accused of having links to Chinese crime syndicates, was arrested in Tangerang City in Jakarta around midnight on Tuesday, nearly a month after her escape from the Philippines became public.