POGO-linked ex-Mayor Alice Guo back in the Philippines, fears death threat

Jenny Ortiz September 6, 2024

SiGMA news

POGO-linked ex-Mayor Alice Guo back in the Philippines, fears death threat

Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, arrived in Manila early Friday, September 6, following her arrest and deportation from Indonesia. Escorted by top police officials, Guo arrived aboard a private jet, landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 1:10 am.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed that additional charges of “undesirability and misrepresentation” were filed against her. Her arrest follows her alleged involvement in illegal activities, including money laundering and human trafficking tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Guo’s arrest and deportation

Guo’s arrest in Tangerang City, Indonesia, on Wednesday was part of a coordinated effort between Philippine and Indonesian authorities. According to officials, Guo changed her appearance by cutting her hair, possibly to evade identification. Upon her arrival in the Philippines, she underwent a medical examination and was immediately transferred to the Senate to face further proceedings.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Marbil and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos were instrumental in her deportation process, flying to Indonesia to facilitate her handover.

Charges and legal proceedings

Guo faces legal challenges, including 87 counts of money laundering and a human trafficking complaint connected to her town’s raided POGO hub. The charges carry severe penalties, and the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has indicated that Guo could face up to 560 years in prison if convicted.

In addition to the Senate’s investigation, the Tarlac Regional Trial Court recently issued an arrest warrant for Guo on graft charges, further complicating her legal situation. Despite these accusations, her lawyer, Stephen David, expressed confidence that Guo would address the charges appropriately and urged the public to avoid making hasty judgments.

Fears of death threats

In a video recorded during her arrest, Guo asked Abalos for assistance, claiming she had received death threats. Abalos acknowledged her concerns but did not provide further details.

Guo’s deportation came with broader geopolitical implications. Indonesian authorities hope for the repatriation of Gregor Johann Haas, an Australian national arrested in the Philippines for alleged involvement in drug smuggling. Talks regarding a possible detainee swap are ongoing, though no official request has been made, according to Philippine Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty.

Police say no special treatment after arrest

Speaking with local reporters, PNP Spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo has confirmed that Guo is not receiving any special privileges while in custody. Fajardo said the dismissed mayor is being held in a standard detention cell, equipped with a bed, comfort room, and an electric fan. Fajardo emphasised that Guo would be treated like any other detainee, without access to personal gadgets like cellphones or AirPods, which are prohibited in the facility.

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