CA Freezes Assets of Suspended Mayor Alice Guo and Associates Amid Illegal POGO Operations Allegations

The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered a freeze on the bank accounts and personal assets of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and two associates due to alleged involvement in illegal activities related to a Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO).

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reported that the CA issued this resolution on Wednesday, following a petition filed by the AMLC the previous day.

Guo, along with Zhiyang Huang and Baoying Lin, is accused of orchestrating human trafficking and fraudulent activities through companies such as Zun Yuan Technology Inc., BAOFU Land Development Inc., and Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc.

The freeze order covers 90 bank accounts in 14 financial institutions, several real estate properties, and high-value personal assets including luxury vehicles and a helicopter. The AMLC emphasized that the order aims to prevent asset dissipation during ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.

The investigation uncovered that Zun Yuan Technology Inc. engaged in various illegal activities masquerading as POGO operations, including human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and online scams. These activities were conducted within BAOFU Land Development Inc. premises, where trafficked individuals were forced into fraudulent online work.

Guo is currently under a Senate investigation for her alleged connection to the POGO operations in Bamban. Authorities raided the 10-hectare POGO hub operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in March, rescuing over 800 Filipinos and foreigners.

Guo and two municipal officials were suspended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman for issuing permits to the POGO operators without the necessary documentation from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Senators have also raised questions about Guo’s identity due to inconsistencies in her statements regarding her nationality and personal life. Recently, a Senate panel issued an arrest order against Guo for not attending a probe related to the POGO hub raid. Although Guo cited health concerns for her absence, Senator Risa Hontiveros noted the lack of a medical certificate to support her claim.

GMA News Online has reached out to Guo’s representatives for comment and will update with any responses.