Former Bamban Mayor Seeks to Delay Prison Transfer After Landmark Conviction
Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo has formally requested to remain at the Pasig City Female Dormitory following her recent conviction on qualified human trafficking charges. The motion has successfully delayed her immediate transfer to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, creating another twist in this high-profile case.
Court Delivers Life Sentence for POGO-Related Crimes
On Thursday, a Pasig court handed down life imprisonment sentences to Guo and her seven co-accused for qualified human trafficking. The convictions stem from criminal activities discovered at an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator hub located in Bamban. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the raided compound in favor of the government, marking a significant victory for prosecutors.
Identity Investigation and POGO Raid Background
The case against Guo gained national attention after authorities raided Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated in 2024. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 800 employees, including approximately 500 foreigners with 427 being Chinese nationals. The illegal POGO hub's proximity to Bamban's municipal hall raised serious questions about Guo's failure to detect the criminal operations happening virtually next door to her office.
The controversy prompted multiple government agencies to investigate Guo's true identity. The National Bureau of Investigation conducted fingerprint examinations that determined Guo is the same person as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, adding another layer of complexity to this already sensational case.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission spokesperson Winston Casio confirmed that Guo's motion has temporarily halted her transfer to the Mandaluyong correctional facility. This development ensures the former mayor's legal saga continues even after her conviction, as the Philippine justice system processes her latest request.
