23-9-2024 (MANILA) Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo has been moved to Pasig City Jail’s female dormitory following a court order, marking a significant development in her ongoing legal battle. The transfer, executed on Monday morning, comes as Guo faces serious charges of qualified human trafficking.
A police convoy departed from the Philippine National Police custodial facility in Camp Crame shortly before 9 a.m., transporting the dismissed mayor to her new detention site. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group confirmed that Guo underwent a mandatory medical examination prior to the transfer, ensuring her fitness for relocation.
The move follows a decision by Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 167, presided over by Judge Annielyn Cabelis, who found probable cause to proceed with a trial against Guo and her co-accused. The court’s ruling paves the way for formal legal proceedings in what has become a high-profile case attracting national attention.
Guo now joins 44 other Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Pasig City Jail, a stark contrast to her former position of authority. The transfer, initially scheduled for Friday evening, was postponed due to pending documentation, as reported by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
The former mayor stands accused of allegedly facilitating the operations of a massive illegal online fraud ring in Bamban, Tarlac during her tenure. These allegations have not only led to her dismissal from office but have also sparked a wider investigation into potential links with Chinese triads and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a House of Representatives quad committee is poised to release a “matrix” purportedly demonstrating connections between Guo, her co-accused Cassandra Ong, and various criminal organisations. This development threatens to further complicate Guo’s legal defence and could have far-reaching implications for the investigation into organised crime in the Philippines.
Guo’s arraignment and pre-trial are set for 27 September at 8:30 a.m., to be conducted via videoconferencing. This virtual format reflects the ongoing adaptations in the judicial system in response to public health considerations.
