Nica: Guo considered ‘agent of influence’

Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo —House of Representatives photo

MANILA, Philippines — National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) Deputy Director General Ashley Acedillo on Tuesday said dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is considered an “agent of influence.”

“We [currently do not have] any legislation or any convention that defines what an agent of influence is.”

READ: Alice Guo confirmed as spy by She Zhijang’s ex-cellmate

He stressed they cannot categorically confirm whether or not Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, is a foreign spy.

“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,” he said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros added her office took a “deep dive” into the identity of Chinese tycoon turned spy She Zhijiang following his exposé in an Al Jazeera documentary, where he said Guo was a fellow agent. —Tina G. Santos