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