Alice Leal Guo (L), former mayor of Bamban in Philippine’s Tarlac province accused of human trafficking and links to Chinese organized crime, is escorted to a press conference in Manila on September 6, 2024, after being deported following her arrest in Indonesia on September 3. Alice Leal Guo, a former mayor of a town north of the capital Manila, has been on the run since she was linked to a Chinese-run online gambling centre where hundreds of people were forced to run scams or risk torture.MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Saturday, September 7, that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo could be considered a state witness if investigations into the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities in her town lead to identifying a higher figure behind the scheme.
DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano explained that Guo’s current status as the “most guilty” party in the case could change depending on the progress of the investigation.
The DOJ official said that Guo is disqualified from becoming a state witness at present due to her significant involvement.
