Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo became the first person convicted under the “organizing trafficking in persons” provision of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, following a Philippine court ruling.
Prosecutors charged Guo in connection with alleged human trafficking activities in Bamban, Tarlac. The court found that she participated in planning, managing, or supervising a trafficking operation, satisfying the elements of the law’s organizing trafficking provision.
Evidence presented during the trial included investigation reports, business and financial records, and witness testimonies outlining the structure and operations of the alleged trafficking network.
The court evaluated documentary and testimonial material and addressed challenges from the defense regarding sufficiency and credibility of the evidence.
The conviction marked the first application of the law’s organizing trafficking section. The court cited statutory definitions and legislative intent behind the anti-trafficking law, applying penalties consistent with sanctions specified for organizing trafficking in persons.
The Department of Justice oversaw the prosecution, and law enforcement agencies continue monitoring trafficking-related activities in the area.