Senator Risa Hontiveros has disclosed that Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, left the Philippines in July, raising concerns over her alleged involvement in illegal activities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Hontiveros revealed in a Facebook post that Guo departed the country on July 17, 2024, bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“I am now in receipt of information that in fact this person was already out of the country on July 18, 2024, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” Hontiveros stated, presenting documents as evidence that Guo entered Malaysia at 12:17 p.m. on July 18, matching her Philippine passport details.
The senator further shared that Guo later traveled to Singapore, where she reunited with her parents, Lin Wen Yi and Guo JianZhong, who had flown in from China on July 28, 2024. The reunion also included Wesley Guo and Cassandra Ong. Hontiveros questioned how Guo managed to leave the country, implying possible collusion with government officials. “Who allowed this travesty to happen? Sino ang may kagagawan nito?” she asked, expressing frustration over the situation.
Guo has been a controversial figure due to her alleged connections with POGOs, which have been associated with human trafficking and online scams. Investigations revealed her concealed ties to Baofu Land Development Incorporated, a real estate company she co-founded, which leased land to a POGO operation later implicated in criminal activities. Despite Guo’s claims of divesting from the company before taking office, evidence suggested she retained controlling interests, leading to accusations of conflict of interest and misconduct.
Adding to the controversy are questions about Guo’s true identity and background, with discrepancies in her birth records and nationality claims. While Guo has denied all allegations, including involvement in illegal POGO activities, she faces multiple charges, including human trafficking and potential identity fraud.