House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila M. de Lima has called the recent conviction of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo a significant step in the fight against human trafficking and criminal syndicates linked to illegal offshore gaming operations.
In a statement dated November 20, 2025, De Lima said the ruling against Guo, who was recently found guilty of qualified trafficking for her role in the scam hub that operated in Bamban, Tarlac, should reinforce the country’s broader campaign to dismantle organized crime. “The conviction of Alice Guo and the passage of Anti-POGO Act should bolster the government’s resolve to continue tightening and widening its crackdown on criminal syndicates and illegal enterprises which serve as hotbed of crimes, including human trafficking,” she said.
De Lima welcomed the verdict handed down by the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 167, saying it provides a measure of accountability to victims. “Natutuwa tayo na nahatulan na itong si Alice Guo na magbibigay hustisya sa kanyang mga naging biktima. But we should not let our guard down,” she stressed.
She warned that Guo’s case is unlikely to be isolated, citing the complexity of the networks operating behind scam hubs and offshore gaming fronts. “Malamang sa malamang, marami pang tulad nya at mga galamay ng sindikato na dapat ding tugisin at panagutin,” she added.
Beyond the human trafficking case, De Lima pressed for stronger national security measures. She renewed her call for Congress to pass the proposed Anti-Espionage Act, noting that modern espionage threats are no longer confined to clandestine meetings. “As we know, espionage today is not limited to shadowy operatives meeting in alleys. It comes disguised as business investments, online gaming hubs, recruitment agencies, students, telecom partnerships, and even public officials,” she said.
De Lima emphasized the need for vigilance, pointing to broader criminal ecosystems exposed in recent investigations involving POGO-linked trafficking hubs and foreign fugitives operating in the Philippines. Her statement aligns with growing public scrutiny following Guo’s conviction and the government’s recent moves to restrict POGO operations nationwide.
“Hustisya para sa mga biktima! Bantayan ang seguridad ng ating bansa!” she declared, before reiterating her policy push: “Implement Anti-POGO Act effectively! Pass Anti-Espionage Act!”
