Alice Guo turns to Bible, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ while in detention

Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping) – in a bulletproof vest and protective helmet – waits in a holding room following her arrival at the Senate of the Philippines on Monday, September 9, 2024, to attend the public hearing of the Senate committee on women and children investigating Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). Photo from Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo appears to be using her time in detention to pause and self-reflect.

Guo, who has been detained at the Philippine National Police custodial center since Friday, is passing the time in the prison reading the Bible and “The Purpose Driven Life,” according to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo.

“[Former] Mayor Alice Guo requested for books, that [keep] her occupied,”  said Fajardo in a chance interview on Monday in front of the custodial center.

READ: Alice Guo – in bulletproof vest – appears at Senate for Pogo probe

“She requested for faith-based books,” Fajardo added.

Guo, whose real name is Guo Hua Ping, appeared at the Senate hearing investigating the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or Pogo on Monday.

But Fajardo said Guo skipped breakfast and only had water.

READ: Alice Guo suffered stomach ache from tap water – PNP

On Saturday, Guo suffered a stomach ache since she only had tap water in her cell, but her lawyer brought bottled water for her the next day.

On Sept. 4, Indonesian authorities apprehended Guo in Jakarta. She returned to the country on Sept. 6 through a chartered flight.

The former mayor has been the subject of scrutiny over her alleged ties to Pogo firms in Bamban town.