In September 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration arrested several high-profile fugitives linked to former President Duterte, marking a significant shift in political alliances. Among those apprehended were key figures such as Alice Guo and Apollo Quiboloy. Analysts interpret these actions as efforts by Marcos to distance himself from Duterte’s controversial legacy while reinforcing the rule of law in the Philippines. Despite initial lapses in intelligence that delayed some arrests, the overall crackdown is seen as a success. The Marcos government now faces the challenge of pursuing legal actions against those arrested while reforming systemic issues to prevent future illegal activities.
In September 2024, the Philippine government intensified its efforts to apprehend fugitives with connections to former President Rodrigo Duterte as the previously established alliance between Duterte’s family and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deteriorated. Law enforcement successfully captured six significant suspects, including Alice Guo, a former mayor accused of espionage related to a criminal syndicate operating illegal online casinos, and Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial religious leader linked to serious criminal offenses. The arrests signify a political shift, as experts suggest these actions were unlikely had the Duterte-Marcos alliance remained intact. Political analysts interpret these developments as an effort by President Marcos to distance himself from the previous administration’s controversial policies and showcase a commitment to law and order. Despite facing criticism regarding lapses in security and intelligence that allowed some fugitives to evade capture initially, the government’s response indicates a renewed resolve to tackle crime and corruption within its ranks. The administration is now under pressure to ensure thorough legal proceedings against those apprehended and to reform the systems that enabled previous illegal activities to thrive.
The Philippines has witnessed a tumultuous political landscape, particularly during and after the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022), whose administration faced significant scrutiny for its brutal anti-drug campaign and allegations of impunity among his allies. The subsequent election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022 marked a continued alliance with the Dutertes, leading to concerns over the potential perpetuation of the previous administration’s controversial practices. However, as political dynamics shifted and Vice-President Sara Duterte parted ways with the Marcos Cabinet by mid-2024, the current administration signaled a desire to distance itself from past excesses and exhibit a stark contrast by pursuing prominent Duterte-linked fugitives aggressively.
The recent crackdown on high-profile fugitives in the Philippines represents a decisive shift in President Marcos’s approach to governance, particularly concerning individuals associated with the former Duterte administration. While the arrests may signify a commitment to law and order, the government must now focus on ensuring fairness in legal proceedings and reforming the underlying policies that allowed corruption and crime to flourish. The outcomes of these cases and subsequent reforms will ultimately shape the future trajectory of governance in the Philippines and public confidence in the Marcos administration.
Original Source: asianews.network
