The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and two others preventively for six months.

The decision follows the anti-graft complaints filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on May 24, 2024, alleging Guo's connection to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban.

DILG filed graft charges because Guo gave a permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. even if the company did not meet the requirements and had an expired license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The Ombudsman's decision for preventive suspension stems from concerns about possible witness tampering or evidence manipulation, given the respondents' authority and connections. 

“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.

BACKGROUND

Guo's identity has come under scrutiny during a Senate investigation into illegal activities at a POGO hub behind the Bamban Municipal Hall.

Guo was also found to be an incorporator of Baofu Land Development Inc., which owns the land where the complex sits, housing over 36 buildings, a swimming pool, and luxury cars.

The POGO hub was also raided earlier in March 2024 where over 800 Filipino and foreign workers were rescued, and was suspected of being involved in the so-called “love scam.”

The complex was also raided previously in 2023 when it was operated by Hongsheng Technology Inc., where Guo applied for the letter of no objection for the complex's license to operate.

On May 21, Guo issued an official statement saying she does not have any involvement in the illegal operations of POGO and is not a spy for any country.