THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of 62 money laundering charges against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and 31 others, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said Wednesday.
The charges stemmed from alleged illicit activities linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in the town.
The DOJ’s panel of prosecutors recommended 26 counts of money laundering under Section 4(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) for transactions involving illegal proceeds.
Guo is also facing five counts under Section 4(b) for transferring or converting funds from unlawful activities.
Thirty-one additional violations of Section 4(b) were also recommended against Guo and her co-accused.
However, the DOJ dismissed a charge of concealing the source of funds against Guo, along with accusations against lawyer Jason Masuerte, Nancy Gamo, and Cassie Li Ong for aiding in the money laundering, citing insufficient evidence.
Clavano revealed law enforcement uncovered scams—including love, investment, and cryptocurrency scams—that generated the illegal proceeds. The money was allegedly funneled into assets.
Guo and her co-accused are also under fire for qualified human trafficking after a POGO raid in June rescued 800 workers. Authorities have linked POGOs to broader criminal activities, including drug syndicates and fraud.
