Strong evidence was presented in the Senate on Wednesday, indicating Mayor Alice Guo’s alleged connections to a Chinese criminal syndicate involved in the raided POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed his alarm over the revelations during an executive session.
Evidence and Allegations
“Without going into the details, there is concrete evidence linking her to the criminal syndicates that organized the POGO in Bamban. She has an active participation in establishing these connections,” Gatchalian stated during the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday.
Gatchalian highlighted Guo’s involvement in processing critical documents for the POGO hub, including the Letter of No Objection, applications for Hongsheng Technology Inc. and Baofu Land Development Inc., and internet connection setup within the complex. “All documents point to her active role in setting up the POGO. She opened the doors for these criminal syndicates,” he added.
Widespread Influence
Gatchalian voiced his concerns about the extent of the syndicates’ influence, as revealed by intelligence agencies. The criminal groups behind the POGO operations in Bamban are allegedly collaborating with local criminals, law enforcers, and politicians. “After the executive session, I was creeped out because our intelligence agencies confirmed our worst fears. The roots of POGO are deep, extending to politicians, enforcement agencies, and local criminal syndicates,” he explained.
The Call for Action
Gatchalian reiterated his call for a total ban on POGO operations in the Philippines, citing the dangerous fusion of foreign and local criminal activities. “This is alarming because foreign criminal syndicates’ money is now funding local criminal groups, creating a formidable alliance,” he noted.
The senator also warned against lifting Guo’s preventive suspension, stressing that her presence could intimidate municipal employees and influence ongoing investigations. “It’s dangerous to lift the preventive suspension. We want those working in the municipal hall to speak freely. If she remains, she can influence the investigation,” he argued.
Guo’s Defense and Future Actions
Guo’s camp has filed a motion to appeal her suspension, claiming the complaints are baseless. However, Gatchalian expressed confidence that the motion would not succeed, citing strong evidence from the Ombudsman and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Gatchalian also mentioned plans to file a resolution to investigate the proliferation of fake birth certificates in the Philippines, following questions about Guo’s real identity and her father Angelito Guo’s alleged fraudulent birth registrations. “This blatant fraud must be addressed. He corrupted the late registration process in our country,” Gatchalian said.