Human trafficking charges are expected to be filed against former Bamban, Mayor Alice Guo by next week, Department of Justice (DOJ) officials said Thursday.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty made the disclosure ahead of the expected arrival of Guo from being nabbed by Indonesian authorities.
Ty said the prosecutors handling Guo’s case asked for “a short extension” in preparing the charges that will be filed against her.
“So hopefully next week, we will see a resolution of the qualified trafficking in persons case,” Ty said during the questioning of House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela party-list lawmaker Arlene Brosas.
Ty and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla faced the House Committee on Appropriations to present the DOJ’s P37.7-billion proposed budget for 2025.
Remulla allayed fears of Guo again escaping Philippine authorities.
“We expect it to be decided very soon by the prosecution. Kapag finile sa court ‘yan, no bail “yan,” Remulla told reporters on the sidelines of the budge deliberations.
(When the charge is filed in court, there will be no bail.)
The authorities in late June filed complaints for violation of he Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act against Guo and several others in connection with the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her town.
Among the respondents are Guo’s alleged business partner Huang Zhiyang, who is a fugitive in China, and Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Li, two individuals who are allegedly nvolved in the biggest money laundering case in Singapore.
Guo was also referred to as “a.k.a Guo Hua Ping” in the complaint.
“Pagka-file ng criminal case, automatic, may HDO (Hold Departure Order na ‘yan,” Remulla said.
(Once the case is filed, an HDO will be subsequently issued.) —NB, GMA Integrated News
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