Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is facing imminent human trafficking charges as revealed by Department of Justice (DOJ) officials. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty disclosed that prosecutors requested a brief extension to prepare the case against Guo, who is expected to arrive from Indonesia following her arrest.
Ty expressed optimism that the qualified trafficking in persons case would be resolved soon, indicating that charges could be filed next week. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured that Guo would not escape prosecution, stating that once the charges are filed in court, bail will not be an option.
Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, is implicated in a broader investigation involving violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act linked to a recent raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her jurisdiction. Other respondents in the case include her alleged business partner, Huang Zhiyang, who is currently a fugitive in China, and two individuals connected to a significant money laundering operation in Singapore.
Remulla confirmed that a Hold Departure Order (HDO) will be automatically issued upon the filing of the criminal case, indicating the seriousness of the charges and the intent to prevent any further attempts by Guo to evade justice.