The Department of Justice (DOJ) welcomed the Pasig City regional trial court’s decision to deny dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo’s petition for bail, describing it as a pivotal moment in the nation’s fight against human trafficking.
Guo, along with her co-accused, faces charges of qualified human trafficking stemming from a June raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac, according to a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The operation led to the rescue of over 800 Filipino and foreign workers believed to be victims of trafficking.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla lauded the court’s decision, emphasizing the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, which the presiding judge deemed sufficient to deny Guo’s temporary release.
“This marks significant progress in our commitment to deliver real justice, highlighting the importance of collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement in building stronger cases,” Remulla was quoted in a statement over the weekend.
Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, who heads the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, echoed Remulla’s sentiment, calling the court’s ruling a milestone in the government’s anti-trafficking efforts.
“This decision underscores our resolve to hold accountable those financing and supporting human trafficking, along with their co-conspirators,” Ty said.
The DOJ expressed hope that the case would set a precedent for stronger collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in combating human trafficking in the country.
Guo became a central figure in the POGO controversy due to her business ties with China-linked companies, among other issues, including allegations of misrepresentation, which allowed her to run for public office despite her Chinese identity.
Meanwhile, the DOJ through the Bureau of Immigration released an advisory reminding all foreign POGO workers to leave the country by December 31.
