The Third Division of the Court of Appeals in the Philippines has confirmed the validity of an arrest warrant against former barangay chairperson Guia Gomez-Castro, initially issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, dismissing her attempt to annul it, as authorities have sought her since 2019.
Gomez-Castro is implicated in a murder case dating back to 2011. She faces accusations related to the killing of a police officer, PO1 Roderick Ramos. The court found sufficient grounds to proceed with the case against her, maintaining the stance that there is probable cause for her arrest.
The case has drawn public attention due to Gomez-Castro’s alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. She is often referred to in media reports as the “drug queen” of Manila, a label linked to her alleged role in drug trafficking activities in the city. Her case has become a focal point in the government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign.
The CA’s decision to uphold the warrant means Gomez-Castro remains a subject of a national manhunt, as she has not been apprehended since the issuance of the warrant. Authorities continue their search, urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward.
The legal narrative surrounding Gomez-Castro has been complex. Her legal team has argued that the RTC’s ruling lacked sufficient basis, asserting that the court abused its discretion by upholding the arrest warrant. Despite these claims, the appellate court’s recent decision reinforces the earlier findings, allowing the criminal proceedings to move forward.
In the realm of law enforcement, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been actively involved in the case. They reportedly have three warrants against Gomez-Castro, which are related to various charges, including the murder case and her alleged drug-related activities.