Former Bamban mayor Alice Guo and her seven accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment for qualified trafficking, according to the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 167. The court also declared that the Baofu compound in Bamban, Tarlac worth P6 billion will go to the government.
According to the ruling, Guo, Jaimielyn Santos Cruz, Rachelle Malonzo Carreon and Walter Wong Rong were found guilty of organizing human trafficking inside the Baofu compound. Chinese nationals Wang Weili, Wuli Dong, Nong Ding Chang and Lang Xu Po were convicted of actual trafficking. Each was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of P2 million per case.
According to PAOCC executive director Benjamin Acorda Jr., the verdict is a testament to the strong collaboration between the agencies and the complainants. He said the case started with just a complaint from an employee, showing how much can be accomplished when the community and government come together.
Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas confirmed that eight were convicted and this is the first conviction under Section 4(l) of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law for organizing trafficking. The case stemmed from a raid by the PNP and PAOCC on POGO operator Zun Yuan Technology, which was renting Guo's compound.
Many officials praised the decision, including Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian, who called the verdict a victory against corruption, human trafficking, and POGO-related crimes. Rep. added. Leila de Lima, the decision provides justice to the victims and should serve as a warning to businesses used as a cover for illegal activities.
