Suspended Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac linked to illegal POGO hubs
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has revealed that suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is allegedly part of a criminal syndicate involved in two illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs. These hubs, Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban and Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, were recently raided by law enforcement authorities.
PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio disclosed in an interview on ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol” that Guo is connected to the group responsible for these illegal POGO operations. Although Guo was a former incorporator at Zun Yuan, there are suspicions that she may have a more active role in the illegal activities.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has cautioned its officers against receiving donations from individuals. This warning comes after reports that Guo had donated furniture and fixtures to the Bamban police station in the past.
In response to these developments, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda has issued memoranda to mayors and the PNP in the province to address the issue of illegal POGO firms. Additionally, members of the House of Representatives committee on dangerous drugs have questioned a barangay chairman in Mexico, Pampanga for allowing a “junk shop” to operate without a business permit.
The closure of POGOs in the country is expected to affect around 20,000 Filipino workers. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stated that the Department of Labor and Employment is already profiling those who may be impacted by the closures in order to provide necessary assistance.
