Several Philippine senators have expressed outrage over a series of photos showing fugitive former mayor Alice Guo appearing "happy" and posing for selfies with government officials during her extradition from Indonesia.
The images, which have gone viral on social media, depict Guo smiling broadly and making peace signs with high-ranking officials, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary.
Senator Risa Hontiveros was among the most vocal critics, condemning the officials for treating Guo's arrest as a social event. "This is a mockery of our justice system," she said. "Alice Guo has played with the laws of the Philippines, and now she's treating her arrest like a fan meet."
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioned the professionalism of the law enforcement personnel involved, stating that their behavior was unacceptable. "It's simply wrong for enforcers to take selfies and post them on social media with a criminal," he said.
The DILG Secretary, Benhur Abalos, defended the officials, stating that the photos were taken as part of the documentation process. He argued that the team's efforts in bringing Guo back to the Philippines should not be overshadowed by a few photographs.
Guo, on the other hand, admitted to being "happy" in the presence of the Philippine officials, citing safety concerns. She claimed to have received death threats and felt relieved to be back in her home country.
Despite Guo's claims, the PNP has assured the public that she will not be given any special treatment while in their custody. She is currently facing multiple charges, including graft and corruption.
The controversy surrounding the photos has sparked a wider debate about the conduct of government officials and the appropriate treatment of fugitives. Critics argue that the images undermine public trust in law enforcement and suggest a double standard.
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