Ex-Philippine Mayor Alice Guo, others face 62 counts of money laundering

Sankunni K January 16, 2025

SiGMA news

The has approved the filing of 62 counts of money laundering charges against former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, along with 31 co-accused. These charges are linked to operations involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Bamban.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano detailed that Guo individually faces 26 counts under Section 4(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) for transactions involving monetary instruments derived from unlawful activities. Additionally, she is charged with five counts under Section 4(b) for the conversion, transfer, or disposition of such illicit funds. The remaining counts involve her co-accused in related offenses.

The investigation revealed that some operations under Guo’s purview engaged in fraudulent schemes, including love scams, investment scams, and cryptocurrency scams. The illicit proceeds from these activities were allegedly used to acquire various assets.

In addition to money laundering charges, Guo and her associates are facing allegations of qualified human trafficking. This follows a raid on a POGO hub in Bamban in June, where approximately 800 Filipino and foreign workers were rescued. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has also indicated connections between POGOs and broader criminal activities, including drug syndicates and corporate fraud.

Who is Alice Guo?

Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, is a Chinese national who served as the mayor of Bamban, a town in the Philippines. Her tenure was marked by controversy, particularly concerning her alleged involvement in illegal gaming operations and human trafficking. Elected in 2022, Guo’s term was cut short following investigations that uncovered her connections to illicit activities, including the operation of a gambling establishment catering primarily to Chinese clients.

In July 2024, Guo fled the Philippines amid mounting legal challenges, traveling through Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. She was apprehended in Tangerang, Indonesia, by Interpol and subsequently deported back to the Philippines in September 2024. Upon her return, she faced multiple charges, including money laundering and human trafficking.

Guo’s case has drawn significant attention due to the implications of foreign nationals holding public office in the Philippines and the potential security risks associated with such positions. Her arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings stress the Philippine government’s commitment to addressing corruption and illegal activities linked to POGOs and other related operations.