Remember the raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac? Since that happened, the incumbent Bamban mayor Alice Guo became the subject of the senate investigation as there were documents found that linked her with the raided POGO. Now a controversial figure, Guo officially suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for up to six months, according to a GMA Network news report. Two other local government officials were suspended as well.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two other local government officials for up to six months.
This development came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed graft complaints against Guo over her reported involvement with a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her locality.
According to the DILG, the complaints were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman on May 24 and stemmed from the issuance of a permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. despite the company failing to complete the requirements and having an expired license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
“Given [the] respondents’ power and authority, there is a strong probability that they may influence witnesses or tamper with any evidence material to the case,” the Ombudsman said in a nine-page order.
Other than Guo, others ordered suspended were Business Permit and Licensing Officer Edwin Ocampo and Municipal Legal Officer Adenn Sigua.
On March 13, authorities raided a 10-hectare area operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. and found several devices said to be linked to POGO operations. Over 600 Filipinos and foreigners were rescued during the raid.
The complex was previously raided in 2023 when it was operated by Hongsheng Technology Inc., which is now being linked to Guo as she applied for the letter of no objection for the complex’s license to operate.
“The foregoing considered, this Office finds sufficient grounds to preventively suspend Alice Guo, Edwin Ocampo and Adenn Sigua considering: that, there is strong evidence showing their guilt; that the charges against them involves grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best Interest of the service, and gross neglect of duty which may warrant their removal from the service,” the Ombudsman said.
“Their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them,” the Ombudsman added.
Guo, whose nationality as a Filipino is being questioned by lawmakers, was also found to be the incorporator of Baofu Land Development Inc., which owns the land where the complex — home to over 36 buildings, a swimming pool, and luxury cars — is located.
Guo has denied links to the POGO operation.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the suspension of mayor Guo will turn out helpful as the quest for answers continues? Do you think the national government will make adjustments that will restrict POGOs? Do you think mayor Guo is a spy of mainland China? Do you think that the scam hub in Parañaque is linked with the controversial Bamban POGO?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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