Sister of POGO-linked Mayor admits evading Philippines by boat

Jenny Ortiz August 27, 2024

SiGMA news

Sister of POGO-linked Mayor admits evading Philippines by boat

Shiela Guo, sister of the dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, has confessed to the Senate of the Philippines that she, along with Alice and their brother Wesley, fled the country using a small boat. Speaking during a Senate hearing on justice and human rights, Shiela described their escape, stating, “We rode a boat in the sea,” though she was unable to specify the departure location.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa confirmed that the Guos evaded official immigration procedures when leaving the country. According to Shiela, they were picked up from their home by a vehicle that transported them to the boat. This method of departure highlights the Guo family’s attempts to evade Philippine jurisdiction.

Apprehension in Indonesia and return to the Philippines

Last week, Indonesian authorities in Riau apprehended Shiela Guo and Cassandra Li Ong, a prominent figure in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry. Both women were subsequently deported back to the Philippines. Upon their arrival, Shiela was immediately taken into custody due to an outstanding Senate arrest order for failing to attend multiple hearings related to POGO operations.

Senate hearings put focus on Shiela Guo and POGO staff

As the Senate continues its investigation, Shiela and Ong have been summoned to testify. Currently held under Senate custody, Shiela is under constant surveillance by a dedicated security team. Meanwhile, Ong, initially detained by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), was transferred to the House of Representatives on Monday. These hearings aim to hold those involved in POGO-related activities accountable and shed light on the industry’s illegal practices.

Legal and diplomatic concerns over passport cancellation

The Senate inquiry has also sparked discussions about possibly canceling Alice Guo‘s Philippine passport. Citing national security concerns, Malacañang suggested that invalidating Alice’s passport could pave the way for her extradition. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) warned that cancelling the passport might backfire. They argued that a valid Philippine passport might strengthen the Philippines’ case for Alice’s return. Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval added that without a Philippine passport, Alice could acquire a foreign passport, complicating extradition efforts.

Potential witnesses in illegal POGO activities

Although neither Shiela Guo nor Cassandra Li Ong is directly involved in POGO ownership, both individuals are considered crucial witnesses who could offer valuable information about illegal operations and potential collusion within the industry. Shiela is a co-owner of several Guo family businesses, while Ong has acted as a government representative for Lucky South 99, a Porac-based POGO.