CRIME DOESN’T pay, at least for the troubles caused by a Chinese national who forms part of a mafia behind human trafficking activities to bolster its illegal online gaming operations in Tarlac.
This comes as the Pasig Regional Trial Court convicted former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo for the crime of human trafficking.
For one, Guo’s conviction — reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment), sent a strong message to others who dare do replicate the former mayor.
Pasig RTC Branch 167 found Guo, or Guo Hua Ping, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of qualified trafficking in persons.
BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT
Also convicted are Jaimielyn Santos Cruz, Rachelle Malonzo Carreon, and Walter Wong Rong for organizing trafficking activities inside the Baofu compound.
It also found Wang Weili, Wuli Dong, Nong Ding Chang, and Lang Xu Po guilty of acts of trafficking committed against the victims.
All convicted individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay P2 million each per case, in addition to monetary reparations.
CONVICTED IN ‘ABSENTIA’
According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Guo wasn’t physically present during the promulgation.
She however attended the hearing online while in detention at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory.
Guo is set to be transferred immediately to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, while her co-accused will be billeted at the National Bilibid Prison facility in Muntinlupa City.
ILLEGAL POGO HUB
The conviction was in connection with the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO)-operated Zun Yuan Technology gambling center behind the municipal hall in Bamban.
During the raid, operatives rescued around 800 individuals (Filipinos and foreign nationals) who were forced and tortured to work as scammers.
In March 2024, a Vietnamese worker escaped and called the police, leading authorities to raid the seven-hectare compound with office buildings, luxury villas, and a large swimming pool.
TRACES LED TO ALICE GUO
Further investigation revealed that Guo was the president and owner of the property under Baofu Land Development Inc., which leased the land to the POGO hub.
Guo said she divested before she ran and won as mayor, but the prosecution presented evidence showing that the divestment was doubtful.
Meanwhile, notorious Chinese gang leader Huang Zhiyang — who is wanted in China — was Guo’s partner in Baofu.
The court decision also ordered the forfeiture of the ₱6-billion compound in favor of the government, as well as the permanent revocation of registration for Baofu, Zun Yuan Technology Inc., and Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc.
INITIAL MORAL VICTORY
“This eagerly awaited ruling is not only a legal victory but also a moral one. It delivers justice to victims, reaffirms the government’s united stance against organized crime, and marks a defining moment in the country’s fight against large-scale trafficking and online scam syndicates,” said PAOCC.
In addition to the conviction, the government continues to pursue civil forfeiture proceedings involving additional assets linked to Alice Guo.
The court also ordered the immediate facilitation of forfeiture proceedings for Guo’s 27 bank accounts holding P75.8 million and USD 62,340; 18 motor vehicles valued at P76.4 million; and 14 real properties located in Tarlac, Bulacan, and Las Piñas valued at P465 million.
SENDING A MESSAGE
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who led the Senate investigation on Guo, called the conviction “a victory against corruption, human trafficking, cybercrime, and many other transnational crimes.”
“We will continue to demand accountability from every government agency that failed in their duties, and we will continue to investigate the full extent of Chinese intelligence operations in our country.”
“And to all others who enabled Alice Guo’s criminal empire: the Philippines is not a playground for exploitation, infiltration, and espionage,” reads part of her statement.
“Accountability is coming. Justice always finds a way,” she added.
INSTRUMENTAL ACQUITALS
Meanwhile, accused Thelma Barrogo Laranan, Rowena Gonzales Evangelista, Rit Sapnu Yturralde, Merlie Joy Manalo Castro, and Maybeline Requiro Millo were acquitted over the prosecution’s failure to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The five, who were Filipino incorporators of Hongsheng, claimed their identities were stolen.
The court ordered them released from jail unless they are being detained for other cases — which they are.
They were also included in a money laundering charge, but the charges are bailable.