PNP, PAOCC ask DOJ to deny Alice Guo's motion, counter-affidavit

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) have asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny the motion and counter-affidavit filed by dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo on the human trafficking complaint against her and others.

In their comment/opposition, the complainants expressed their doubt that Guo personally appeared before a public notary in San Jose Del Monte City amid reports that she has been out of the country since July 18.

“The doubt on respondent Guo’s presence or absence in the country since 18 July 2024 puts into question the possibility of her appearing before a notary public, much less, subscribe and swear by the counter-affidavit,” they said.

“In fact, respondent Guo did not personally appear before any of the members of the Panel to submit her motion and its attached counter-affidavit,” they added.

PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio shared the comment/opposition in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

PAOCC files its opposition to the counter affidavit of Alice Guo considering that she has been out of the country since mid July and couldn’t have appeared before a notary public, among other arguments. pic.twitter.com/PlWK8DelX9

— PAOCC_SPOXCasio (@casio111921) August 22, 2024

On August 16, Guo filed a motion to reopen the investigation and admit her counter-affidavit, where she asked the department to dismiss the case.

It was notarized on August 14, 2024 in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

The complainants said that granting Guo’s motion would not serve the interest of justice and due process.

“We’re hoping that the panel of prosecutors would side with our contention that she waived her right to submit her counter-affidavit,” Casio said in a Zoom briefing.

Casio stressed that when submitting a counter-affidavit, you must physically appear before a notary public.

The Bureau of Immigration on Tuesday confirmed that Guo is in Indonesia.

Earlier, Indonesian authorities arrested Cassandra Li Ong — the authorized representative of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) that was raided in Porac, Pampanga — and Guo's sister Sheila.

The two are expected to be brought back to the Philippines. — RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News