Bail Denied for Alice Guo and Co-Accused in Human Trafficking Case, DOJ Celebrates

In a significant development in the battle against human trafficking, a Pasig court has rejected the bail application of Alice Guo, the former mayor who was dismissed from her position. The Department of Justice (DOJ) hailed the court’s decision as a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. Guo, along with others, is charged with qualified human trafficking following a raid in June on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Bamban, Tarlac. The raid led to the rescue of 800 Filipino and foreign workers. The judge at the lower court found the evidence presented by the prosecution to be compelling, leading to the denial of the bail petition. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the importance of this ruling, stating it represents a major step forward in their mission to ensure justice is served. He praised the cooperation between prosecutors and law enforcement in strengthening their cases. Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, responsible for the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, also celebrated the decision, noting it as a crucial advancement in the nation’s fight against human trafficking. He stressed that the ruling demonstrates their determination to prosecute not only those directly involved in human trafficking but also those who finance and support such activities.