Philippines Initiates Crackdown on Duterte-Linked Fugitives Amid Political Shift

In September 2024, the Philippine government arrested six fugitives associated with the former Duterte administration, marking a shift in political alignments. High-profile detainees included Alice Guo and Apollo Quiboloy, revealing the administration’s move to distance itself from Duterte ties amid rising tensions. Analysts see this as a calculated effort by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to project a new image of accountability and governance, although questions remain regarding operational effectiveness and the future direction of legal reforms.

In September 2024, the Philippine government undertook a significant operation targeting high-profile fugitives connected to the former Duterte administration. This initiative resulted in the apprehension of six significant suspects over the course of three weeks, including individuals who had previously evaded capture. Analysts attribute this crackdown to the deteriorating relationship between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family, suggesting that the current administration is attempting to distance itself from its predecessors and project a more progressive image. Among those arrested was former mayor Alice Guo, accused of espionage and connections to a criminal syndicate leveraging illegal online casinos during the Duterte era. Another notable arrest was that of Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent religious leader with ties to Mr. Duterte, who faces serious charges including human trafficking. The government also apprehended former budget official Lloyd Christopher Lao, implicated in the procurement of overpriced pandemic supplies, and Chinese businessman Tony Yang, linked to the aforementioned criminal group. Analysts have indicated that the Marcos administration’s previous reluctance to pursue Duterte associates has transformed following the breakdown of their political alliance. Dr. Carmel Abao from Ateneo de Manila University remarked on this shift by stating, “I look at it as Marcos being on the offensive against the Dutertes. He’s doing this to project an image, saying: ‘We’re the good guys. We’re nice, but we also get things done.'” The benefits of this crackdown are acknowledged, although some critiques have emerged regarding operational effectiveness, particularly concerning lapses that allowed individuals like Guo and Quiboloy to evade arrest for extended periods. While the Philippine National Police have defended their actions, asserting that the move against detainees is purely based on legal warrants, experts caution the Marcos government must now focus on thoroughly prosecuting these cases and reforming policies to prevent future abuses. Defense analyst Don McLain Gill emphasized the need for a functioning system, stating, “Yes, there may have been initial lapses. But at the end of the day, there is no perfect system, and what matters is that it is a functional system and that the government has been able to show that it can arrest criminals within a specific time frame.”

The political dynamics in the Philippines have undergone a dramatic transformation since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022, particularly in relation to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Traditionally, the Dutertes wielded substantial political power, often perceived as nearly untouchable due to their popularity and connections. However, the recent crackdown on high-profile fugitives linked to the Duterte administration signals a notable shift in governance and political accountability. The arrests come amidst a crumbling alliance between the Marcos administration and the Duterte family, suggesting that President Marcos is taking a more assertive stance against figures associated with the previous regime.

In conclusion, the recent arrests of Duterte-associated fugitives represent a significant turning point in the political landscape of the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The government’s actions reflect an effort to re-establish integrity and accountability in governance and to diminish the influence of the Duterte family. While this may bolster the Marcos administration’s image, sustained efforts will be necessary to ensure adequate prosecution of these cases and to reform the political systems that allowed such criminal activities to proliferate.

Original Source: asianews.network