A former mayor of Bamban, Philippines, Alice Guo, has been sentenced to life in prison for her involvement in human trafficking. Along with three co-defendants, she received this sentence on Thursday, accompanied by a fine of 2 million pesos (approximately $33,832). Guo’s conviction is linked to her role in operating a significant scam centre that exploited hundreds of victims.
Details of the Case Against Alice Guo
The case surrounding Guo has attracted considerable attention in the Philippines over the years. Authorities discovered one of the country’s largest scam hubs in her town, rescuing about 800 individuals, both Filipinos and foreigners, during a raid. Victims reported being forced to participate in “pig butchering” scams, a scheme designed to defraud victims out of their money.
Background and Arrest
Alice Guo, aged 35, was elected as the mayor of Bamban in 2022. Initially seen as a compassionate leader, her reputation changed dramatically following the exposure of the scam centre. The facility was disguised as Philippine Online Gaming Operations (Pogo), targeting clients in China, where online gambling is illegal. Following the uncovering of the scam centre in early 2024, Guo denied any involvement, despite evidence linking her to the site.
- The scam centre spanned eight hectares and contained 36 buildings.
- Guo’s claims of being Filipino were contradicted by evidence showing her origins in China.
- Authorities found her fingerprints matched those of a Chinese national, Guo Hua Ping.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
Guo has faced numerous legal challenges following her removal from office. In addition to her life imprisonment sentence, five other cases are pending against her, including charges of money laundering. The case has raised significant concerns amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
International Capture and Extradition
After disappearing in July 2024, Guo prompted an international manhunt that spanned four countries. She was apprehended in September of the same year in Indonesia and subsequently extradited to the Philippines. Following her arrest, her Philippine passport was revoked, further complicating her legal battles.
As the legal proceedings continue, it remains uncertain whether Alice Guo will appeal her sentence. The case remains a focal point in the media, highlighting issues of human trafficking, governance, and international relations in the region.
