Alice Guo is part of criminal ring – PAOCC

MANILA, Philippines — Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is part of a criminal syndicate responsible for two illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs that were raided by law enforcement authorities, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

In an interview aired over ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol” Tuesday night, PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio said their investigation showed that Guo is part of a group behind the Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban and Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, two POGO firms suspected to be involved in criminal activities.

“Mayor Alice is part of the same criminal operation organization that operated both in Bamban and Porac,” Casio added.

While Guo is a former incorporator at the Baofu compound, where Zun Yuan is located, Casio said they have reason to believe that the local chief executive is involved in actual operations of the POGO hub.

Casio did not reply when The STAR asked him what Guo’s specific role was in the criminal organization he was referring to.

As this developed, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded police officers to be cautious when accepting donations from individuals.

PNP chief publicist Col. Jean Fajardo issued the reminder following reports that Guo donated fixtures and furniture to the Bamban police station when she was not yet the mayor of the town.

Memoranda

Meanwhile, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda has issued two memoranda to mayors and the PNP in the province regarding measures against illegal POGO firms.

Pineda directed barangay captains to conduct awareness campaigns in their respective areas regarding illegal businesses and other crimes.

‘Junk shop’

Members of the House of Representatives committee on dangerous drugs yesterday grilled a barangay chairman in Mexico, Pampanga for allowing a “junk shop” to operate despite having no business permit.

In yesterday’s resumption of the panel’s probe into the P3.6 billion worth of shabu seized in a warehouse in Mexico, panel chairman and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers asked about ongoing efforts of the local government to inspect warehouses and building facilities in the town.

This prompted Mexico Mayor Rodencio Gonzales to report about some residents’ complaints regarding the “diggings” and “explosion” inside Infinity 8 compound in Barangay Lagundi that have caused cracks in their houses.

Meanwhile, at least 20,000 Filipino workers face possible displacement with the closure of POGOs in the country.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said that Department of Labor and Employment officials are now profiling those likely to be affected by the POGOs’ closure so that appropriate intervention could be provided to them. – Ric Sapnu, Sheila Crisostomo, Mayen Jaymalin