By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(September 15, 2024) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday touted the decision of the Supreme Court to move the impending human trafficking cases of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and her alleged cohorts from Capas, Tarlac to the National Capital Region.
As early as April, the DOJ urged the Supreme Court to approve its request to transfer the complaints against Guo and her co-accused to safeguard national interest and ensure fairness in the justice system, citing its high-profile nature.
“I commend the SC for their unwavering commitment to safeguard the laws of the land in order to avoid the miscarriage of justice,” said DOJ secretary Boying Remulla in a media release.
The DOJ is set to file human trafficking charges against Guo, Huang Zhiyang, the so-called “boss of all bosses” of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and former government official Dennis Cunanan.
Remulla stressed that holding the trial proceedings in a neutral venue will prevent local biases and undue influences.
“The DOJ vows that we will prosecute these cases with burning resolve and integrity,” added Remulla.
Human trafficking has no bail and is punishable by life imprisonment under Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Guo is also facing charges of graft and money laundering due to her alleged links to the illegal activities of POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga.
She has maintained her innocence.
The disgraced mayor left the Philippines last July 18 and traveled across Southeast Asia before being arrested in Indonesia last September 3. She was brought back to the country last September 6 and is currently under the custody of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The DOJ earlier said Guo cannot be considered a state witness yet.
Last Friday, her graft case was moved from an RTC in Tarlac to an RTC in Valenzuela.
(With reports from Camille Samonte, News5)
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