On July 10, 2024, the Philippine Senate held the case in contempt of court. by, ordered the arrest of Bamban City Mayor Alice Guo and seven others for repeatedly ignoring investigations into illegal activities involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
According to local media reports, during Wednesday’s Senate Women’s Panel meeting Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, issued the ruling following a separate motion by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
Hontiveros resumes investigation into reported crimes related to POGO, Including human trafficking and torture. On Tuesday, Alice Guo notified senators that she would not be able to attend the hearing due to illness and death threats. This is the second time Alice Guo has been absent from a Senate inquiry into raids on POGO centers in her city.
Also considered in contempt of court was the mayor's father Jian Zhong Guo; her mother Wenyi Lin; her siblings Seimen Leal Guo, Shiela Guo and Wesley Leal Guo; POGO registrant Nancy Gamo; and former Technology and Livelihoods Resource Center deputy director Dennis Cunanan.
"The committee orders the arrest of individuals found to be in contempt of court," Hontiveros said. , awaiting submission to the Senate for the President’s signature.”
She also mentioned that after the hearing, she would report to The office of Senate President Chiz Escudero sent a letter.
Alice Guo is called the "POGO Mayor" because she It is believed to be related to illegal POGO operations. She also faces various charges, including being accused of being a Chinese spy and identity theft.
