A Philippine senator leading an investigation into a former mayor's alleged links to Chinese criminal syndicates said on Friday she would not rule out her possible involvement in espionage.

Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, returned to the Philippines on Friday morning, Sept. 6, after being apprehended by authorities in Tangerang City, Indonesia.

Alice Guo, also known as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, a fugitive former Philippine mayor, who was was arrested and deported from Indonesia, answers questions during a press conference upon arrival at a private plane charter in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, September 6, 2024. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Former Philippine town mayor Alice Guo was held in contempt for a second time on Monday after refusing to answer senators' questions on suspected ties to Chinese criminal syndicates and how she escaped the country two months ago.