MANILA — Authorities filed qualified human trafficking complaints against suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and others before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday. The information, filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), referred to the mayor as “Guo Hua Ping.”
Evidence and Accusations
DOJ Undersecretary and Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Chairperson Nicholas Ty stated, “Evidence shows she applied for a former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) license and was involved with the lessor company. Her name also appeared in various documents found at the POGO compound.”
PNP-CIDG Director Major General Leo Francisco emphasized their commitment: “In collaboration with PAOCC and other law enforcement agencies, we are intensifying our fight against illegal POGOs. The PNP is fully committed to this effort.”
Proceedings and Legal Actions
The DOJ is processing the issuance of an International Lookout Bulletin (ILBO) against Guo. “Since the case has been filed, we are processing the ILBO. It will go through internal DOJ processes, and hopefully, the secretary will sign it by next week,” Ty said.
Confidence in the Case
Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed confidence in the strength of the case against Guo. The complaint also includes 12 Chinese nationals who are officials of Zun Yuan Technology Inc., Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., and Baofu Corporation, as well as former Technology and Resource Center director general Dennis Cunanan. IACAT prosecutor Benjamin Samson explained, “We discovered that the Zun Yuan operation started with Baofu Corporation and then expanded. We believe these corporations are part of a grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking.”
Guo’s Denial
Guo denies any involvement with POGOs. “Having connections to companies or individuals, especially when vague, is not enough to link someone to a case, particularly one involving human trafficking,” she stated. Guo reiterated her non-involvement with Zun Yuan Technology Inc. or any POGO operations. “If concrete evidence existed, charges would have been filed against me much earlier,” she added.
Assurance of Due Process
The DOJ assured that due process would be followed, as the complaints are still subject to preliminary investigation. “This case is still a complaint and will go through DOJ procedures, including a preliminary investigation where Mayor Guo will have the opportunity to present her side,” Ty emphasized.
Ongoing Investigations
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz mentioned that other local government officials, especially in Pampanga, are coordinating with them regarding POGO-related cases. “We will continue to gather sufficient evidence to file additional cases against other respondents,” Cruz said.
Previous Complaints
The human trafficking charges are the second set of complaints against Guo. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) had previously filed administrative complaints against her and other municipal officials before the Office of the Ombudsman. These complaints include grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
