Philippine officials under fire after smiling selfies with fugitive Alice Guo spark anger

President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has sought to play down the controversy, insisting his country is just the ‘selfie capital of the world’

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Fugitive ex-mayor Alice Guo sits smiling between Department of Interior and Local Governments Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Director General Rommel Marbil in Jakarta on September 5. Photo: Facebook / Benhur Abalos

Published: 5:32pm, 6 Sep 2024Updated: 5:13pm, 9 Sep 2024

Philippine officials are facing a storm of criticism after images surfaced of authorities treating infamous fugitive Alice Guo with what many described as undue “deference” during her extradition, sparking allegations of double standards in the country’s justice system.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on Friday shrugged off the anger directed at officials who appeared to be enjoying photo opportunities with the former mayor, as he insisted the Philippines was called the “selfie capital of the world”.

Guo, wanted for failing to assist a Senate investigation into her alleged connection to Chinese organised crime groups, was extradited from Indonesia to the Philippines on Thursday following her arrest in Jakarta.

Outrage erupted on social media overnight after photos and videos were posted showing Guo smiling and posing for selfies with officials including Department of Interior and Local Governments Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Director General Rommel Marbil, as well as arresting officers from the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration.

One photo with over a million views and dozens of angry comments showed a beaming Guo making a double peace sign while seated between a smiling Marbil and Abalos.

Singer Leah Navarro posted on X: “Why is Abalos treating her with so much deference. Engaging her in social conversation? She’s being extradited for being on the run from our justice system!”