The Endless Search | The Freeman

August 31, 2024 | 0:00

It seems as though the entire Philippines is engaged in a never-ending search for elusive individuals who recently made headlines for their controversial actions and evaded justice. In the capital, the hunt is on for Alice Guo, the suspended mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who has become a figurative fugitive. Guo is said to have had ties to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) involved in numerous illegal activities. Her sudden disappearance followed intense scrutiny by the Senate, which questioned her citizenship and fitness to hold public office. Despite being summoned, Guo has not appeared for any hearing before the House, so her whereabouts are unknown.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao region is grappling with its own headline-grabbing case: Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be the “called son of God,” is also on the run. Quiboloy faces serious criminal charges, but despite repeated calls to turn himself in and answer the allegations, he remains at large. The situation is particularly intense at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City, where his followers and state security forces are clashing. The pastor’s defenders argue that the police actions amount to a desecration of their sacred ground, while authorities remain determined to arrest him.

These cases highlight a larger problem facing our society: the challenge of holding powerful individuals accountable. It appears that Guo and Quiboloy, among others, committed their alleged crimes in recent years, possibly before the current administration took office. This raises the question of whether there were deliberate attempts to overlook their wrongdoings in the past, suggesting that our legal and regulatory systems may be unable to identify such problems in a timely manner.

It is very likely that these individuals did not manage their escape entirely alone. Criminals often rely on networks of supporters and enablers to help them evade justice. The analogy of a sinking boat is apt here: if one person goes under, others who benefited from their actions may also face the consequences. This interconnectedness means that efforts to bring these fugitives to justice could uncover further layers of complicity and corruption.

The ongoing search for Guo and Quiboloy underscores the urgent need for vigilance and accountability within our government and law enforcement systems. The resolve of the authorities involved in these investigations is palpable and reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that these individuals face the consequences of their actions. However, this situation also serves as a reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities that can allow such individuals to evade justice.

It is critical that all government agencies remain vigilant and proactive. Distrust and critical thinking should be the norm, especially towards individuals whose actions may jeopardize public trust and safety. We must be wary of the possibility that some of them are compromised or are acting as moles in our systems, revealing their true colors only when they are exposed. The search for these individuals is far from over, and the resolve of our agencies remains critical in this pursuit.