A former Philippines mayor, Alice Guo, has been sentenced to life in prison for human trafficking after being accused of spying for China. The sentencing on Thursday, which also included a fine of 2 million pesos, concludes a high-profile investigation that uncovered a massive scam center in her town.
The case began in 2024 when authorities raided a scam hub in Bamban, Tarlac, rescuing approximately 800 Filipinos and foreigners who were forced to participate in “pig butchering” scams. These online fraud schemes involve building trust with victims before swindling them out of money. The center was hidden under the guise of Philippine Online Gaming Operations (Pogos), which cater to Chinese clients where gambling is illegal. Alice Guo, who was mayor at the time, initially denied any knowledge of the compound’s activities.
Guo was elected mayor of Bamban in 2022 and was perceived by residents as a caring leader. However, a senate investigation revealed that the eight-hectare compound with 36 buildings was located near her office and built on land she previously owned. Investigators questioned her inability to detect the illegal operations, leading to suspicions about her involvement and background.
Further scrutiny uncovered discrepancies in Guo’s life story. Contrary to her claims of being born in the Philippines, evidence showed she migrated from China as a teenager. Her fingerprints were matched to those of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping, raising alarms about her true identity and potential espionage ties. This led to her removal from office and intensified the case against her.
In July 2024, Guo disappeared, prompting an international manhunt across four countries. She was arrested in Indonesia in September 2024 and extradited to the Philippines, where her passport was cancelled. Her flight and capture added drama to the already sensational case, highlighting the cross-border nature of the allegations.
On Thursday, Guo and three others were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined 2 million pesos for qualified human trafficking. She has denied all allegations, and it is unclear if she will appeal. There are still five ongoing cases against her, including charges of money laundering, indicating that legal proceedings are far from over.
The case has unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While the Philippines has publicly addressed the spying allegations, China has remained silent on the matter. This silence fuels speculation about the geopolitical implications of Guo’s actions and the broader context of Sino-Philippine relations.
The sentencing serves as a landmark in the Philippines’ efforts to combat human trafficking and cybercrime. It underscores the challenges of regulating Pogos and the potential for foreign interference in local politics. Moving forward, authorities may use this case to strengthen laws and international cooperation against such crimes.
