Photo credit: Benhur Abalos

In a recent development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of charges against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and several others for qualified human trafficking. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) shared this news on Friday.

According to DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, the panel of prosecutors has concluded that there is sufficient evidence against Guo and her associates. “Our panel of prosecutors has completed the preliminary investigation,” Ty explained. “In simpler terms, the finding from the preliminary investigation is that there is prima facie evidence of qualified trafficking in persons. The information will be filed in court next week.”

Ty took a moment to express gratitude towards the prosecution panel for their diligent work on this complex case. “We want to extend our thanks to the prosecution panel for their hard work on this preliminary investigation. The case is quite intricate, as you can see from the thick resolution and numerous details involved.”

So, what exactly links Mayor Alice Guo to qualified human trafficking? Ty clarified, “With the latest amendment to the Trafficking in Persons Act, now includes organizing and establishing operations involved in human trafficking. This is where Mayor Guo and her associates were implicated. Unlike in previous laws where direct evidence of trafficking, such as recruitment or torture, was required, the new amendment allows for prosecution if someone is found to have organized or established a business involved in trafficking. This is the basis for the charges against Mayor Guo.”

The case against Guo has drawn significant attention, and the upcoming court proceedings are eagerly anticipated.