POGO mayor Alice Guo spills “crucial” name in Philippines gaming probe
In a 24 September executive hearing, the former fugitive said she is innocent of crimes linked to Philippines offshore gaming operations (POGOs).
But later, in a closed session with the senate panel, Guo revealed a “crucial personality” linked to the Philippines industry, which was banned in July by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“I am a victim” Guo claims
Guo, a Chinese national who masqueraded as a Filipina to run for mayor of Bamban, fled the Philippines following accusations she facilitated a crime-ridden facility in that town. She was captured in Indonesia on 4 September and returned to the Philippines to face charges.
In Tuesday’s hearing, Senator JV Ejercito asked Guo if she was the “mastermind” behind the Bamban POGO.
“I am not a mastermind,” replied Guo, whose real name is Guo Hua Ping. “I can say that I am a victim.”
Ejercito then asked if she was “a pawn… being used by an international criminal syndicate.”
“If I ever helped anyone, it is just because I am a helpful person,” Guo replied. She insisted she had nothing to do with alleged POGO crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking and online scams.
“Maybe you already feel sorry for yourself,” Ejercito retorted. “But we should also feel sorry for the victims of POGOs.… We understand that you are afraid. To reduce your guilt, are you willing to say who is the most guilty?”
Guo agreed, but only behind closed doors and in the presence (by phone) of her counsel. At that point, Ejercito promised her that lawmakers would be responsible for her safety.
Who is the “crucial personality” in Philippines scandal?
Following a brief closed-door session, Senator Rita Hontiveros, chairwoman of the hearings, said she was “not too satisfied” with Guo’s disclosure.
“However,” she added, “there is one crucial personality confirmed by Guo Hua Ping. This corroborates a theory that the committee shared a month ago.” The Philippines senator did not elaborate on the theory and the name of the figure was not disclosed.
In the past, Gilbert Cruz of the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) has called Guo associate Huang Zhiyang the “boss of all bosses” of the POGO industry. Like Guo before him, Huang fled the Philippines to escape justice and is still on the run.
Meanwhile, Philippines media speculate that the undisclosed person may be former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Benjamin Acorda. A photo has surfaced of Acorda seeming to fraternise with Tony Yang, a purported Guo associate. In response to the rumours, Acorda issued a statement saying, “I love my country and the PNP organisation. I did what a Filipino and a police officer should do.”
Meanwhile, Ejercito is describing the first executive session with Guo as an “ice breaker”, presumably with more drama to come. Guo faces multiple charges, including money laundering, human trafficking, graft and misrepresentation.