Philippine mayor linked to POGO crimes on the run, senator threatened
Philippine police continue to search for a small-town mayor linked to crimes in the offshore gaming industry. And now a senator calling for a ban on the industry says he is getting death threats.
After failing to appear at two separate court hearings, a Philippine mayor, Alice Guo, dropped out of sight. A warrant was issued for her arrest. Officials now say she may have fled the country using a Chinese passport in the name of Guo Hua Ping.
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) have made headlines for alleged crimes including online scams, kidnapping, torture and even murder. During the March raid of a POGO in Bamban, Tarlac, authorities freed hundreds of workers who claim to have been victims of human trafficking.
Malyasian details being sold into slavery
One of them, a Malaysian man identified as “Dylan,” told a house inquiry on Wednesday that a friend sold him into the Bamban hub for PHP300,000 (£4,000/€ 4,700/US$5,000). Dylan said he was informed he would have to work for six months to regain his freedom. He also said his phone was confiscated, but not until he took photos of bruises he sustained in a beating.
Guo, mayor of Bamban since 2022, is suspected of underwriting the operation with funds that may have originated in China.
Some lawmakers are concerned that Beijing is using POGOs to infiltrate business in the country and undermine national security. Philippines security expert Chester Cabalza has called the industry a “Trojan horse that that can stage a surprise attack in the Philippines”. A number of POGOs are located near military bases.
Senator says he got death threats
Meanwhile, longtime POGO critic Senator Sherwin Gatchalian says he has received death threats because of his campaign to outlaw POGOs.
Gatchalian says he learned from staff members about an online video containing “explicit threats” against him.
“The creation and online dissemination of this video has caused me substantial concern for my security,” he said, “as well as the safety of those around me, particularly my family and staff.”
Guo allegedly paid her minions PHP10 million (£132,500/$US171,500) to eliminate Gatchalian and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is leading the senate probe.