The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed falsification complaints against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the acquisition of multiple real estate properties in Pangasinan.
NBI Spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin stated that the bureau, in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), jointly filed complaints against Guo for falsification of public documents under Section 171 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Additionally, Guo, along with 38 other individuals, including seven officers of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), was also charged with violating RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended.
Lavin, who also serves as regional director of NBI National Capital Region, revealed that Guo misrepresented herself in the acquisition of three properties in Sual, Pangasinan. He explained that Guo falsely declared herself as Alice Guo and a Filipino citizen, when in reality, she is Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese citizen. He further noted that this misrepresentation was evident in three separate deeds of sale.
The exact value of the properties remains uncertain, but Lavin emphasized that they were large and were allegedly used for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities. He added that these properties would be subject to forfeiture proceedings.
The human trafficking complaint also named seven PAGCOR officials, including Mark Christian Lobos, Roldan Palma, Marvin Panganiban, Ronnie Sadang, Anthony Taylo, Randy Pasion, and Mac Jerwin Austria.
The case stems from alleged criminal operations at Zun Yuan Technology Center, a POGO in Bamban, Tarlac, which was raided and subsequently shut down by authorities. Lavin pointed out that PAGCOR had officially registered and allowed the POGO’s operations but accused its representatives of turning a blind eye to illicit activities.
According to Lavin, the POGO was presented as a legitimate business, but in reality, many of its employees were forced into scamming activities. He emphasized that deception was employed to make the operation appear lawful when, in fact, it was designed to exploit workers.