NATIONAL Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Deputy Director General Ashley Acedillo labeled dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, as an “agent of influence,” but stopped short of confirming her as a foreign spy.
Acedillo clarified that while there is no legislation or convention defining “agent of influence,” Guo’s actions allegedly involve using her position to sway public opinion or decision-making for the benefit of a foreign country.
“What is applicable on the part of Ms Guo Hua Ping is that she uses her position to influence public opinion or decision making to produce results beneficial to the country whose services they benefit from,” Acedillo stated.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, revealed that her office has conducted a thorough investigation into the identity of Chinese tycoon turned spy She Zhijiang, following his exposé in an Al Jazeera documentary. Zhijiang claimed that Guo was a fellow agent.
The NICA’s statement, while not explicitly confirming Guo as a foreign spy, raises serious concerns about her alleged activities and the potential for foreign influence within Philippine politics. The agency’s focus on Guo’s alleged role as an “agent of influence” suggests a nuanced approach to understanding her actions and their implications.
The ongoing investigations into Guo’s activities and the broader issue of foreign influence in the Philippines are expected to continue, with the NICA and other relevant agencies working to uncover the full extent of the alleged operations and ensure the security of the country.
