(UPDATE) THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Friday started the preliminary investigation into the case of trafficking in persons against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and several others.
The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) before the DoJ on June 21.
The Paocc and CIDG allege that Guo and 13 other respondents are involved in the establishment and running of Baofu, previously Hongshen Technology, which subsequently became Zun Yuan Technology, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) reportedly involved in forced labor, human trafficking, online fraud and investment scams.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION Lawyer Alex Avisado represents his client, Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, at the Department of Justice’s preliminary investigation into the human trafficking complaint filed against her and 13 others on July 4, 2024. Avisado said they would provide their counter affidavit in the next hearing. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
The respondents are allegedly aware of the illegal activities in the Baofu compound in Bamban.
Following a search of the hubs, authorities established the close link between Zun Yuan in Baofu compound with Guo and the other respondents.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty urged Guo’s four Filipino co-respondents to file counter-affidavits in their defense.
“I’m calling for you to appear here because if you don’t answer, you might be charged. The proper venue to file your defense is not in the Senate but here at the Department of Justice,” Ty warned the respondents.
Lawyer Alex Avisado represents his client, Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, at the Department of Justice’s preliminary investigation into the human trafficking complaint filed against her and 13 others on July 5, 2024. Avisado said they would provide their counter affidavit in the next hearing. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Lawyer Alex Avisado represents his client, Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, at the Department of Justice’s preliminary investigation into the human trafficking complaint filed against her and 13 others on July 5, 2024. Avisado said they would provide their counter affidavit in the next hearing. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Lawyer Alex Avisado represents his client, Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, at the Department of Justice’s preliminary investigation into the human trafficking complaint filed against her and 13 others on July 5, 2024. Avisado said they would provide their counter affidavit in the next hearing. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Guo’s lawyer, Alex Avisado, said he considers the complaint to be weak because it lacks sufficient evidence.
Avisado also said the CIDG and Paocc themselves admitted there is no direct evidence to pin down Guo on the human trafficking charge.
“An electricity bill as evidence, articles of incorporation, a letter of no objection, is that already human trafficking?” he said.
Avisado said a counter-affidavit would be submitted on July 22.
Aside from the human trafficking case, Guo also risks the cancellation of her birth certificate.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said on Friday that a petition will be filed to void the mayor’s birth certificate because she failed to comply with the legal requirements for late registration of birth.
Guevarra said the groundwork is being prepared for filing a quo warranto petition seeking Guo’s ouster as Bamban mayor.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has said it found irregularities in Guo’s birth certificate.
In the House of Representatives, Speaker Martin Romualdez is calling for an investigation into reports of criminal activities associated with illegitimate POGOs.
In a statement on Friday, Romualdez stressed his “deep concern” over the persistence of the illegal operators.
“We cannot allow these rogue POGO operators to persist in their illicit actions. It is imperative that we identify and unmask the masterminds and protectors behind these operations so they can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
The inquiry would examine the criminal activities where illegitimate POGOs are involved, including money laundering and human trafficking.
It would also analyze the effectiveness of current regulations and identify any gaps that allowed the operators to evade the law.
“Establishing the identities of those responsible for protecting and facilitating these illegal operations and ensuring they are held accountable is a priority,” Romualdez said.
“This is not just about enforcing the law; it’s about safeguarding our nation’s economic stability and protecting our citizens from the harmful effects of criminal enterprises,” he said.
The inquiry will summon various stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies and community representatives, to gather comprehensive insights and recommendations.
“We owe it to our citizens to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that criminal elements exploiting our system are brought to justice,” Romualdez said.
He has said he is against a total ban for POGOs since it could drive the operators underground.
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