Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, was transferred to the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory on Monday, following a court order that marks a significant change in her detention status. Previously held at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, her relocation occurred under heightened security measures.
Early Morning Transfer
The transfer commenced with a police convoy leaving Camp Crame at 8:49 a.m. and arriving at the Pasig Jail at 9:14 a.m. Originally scheduled for Friday, the relocation was delayed due to incomplete paperwork, including Guo’s medical results, as confirmed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Overcrowding Issues
Upon her arrival, Guo joined 44 other inmates in a facility designed for just nine, raising serious concerns about overcrowding. Despite the stringent security conditions at the new detention center, Guo’s team expressed a preference for her to remain under the custody of the PNP.
Court Mandate and Upcoming Trial
Pasig RTC Branch 167 Judge Annielyn Cabelis found probable cause to try Guo, who is accused of facilitating a major illegal online fraud ring in Bamban during her tenure as mayor. Alongside co-accused Cassandra Ong, Guo is scheduled for arraignment and pre-trial on September 27 via videoconferencing.
Prior to her transfer, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group confirmed that Guo underwent all necessary health checks. Reports also indicate that a House of Representatives committee may soon reveal connections linking Guo and Ong to Chinese triads and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), adding further complexity to her legal challenges.
As this case unfolds, the implications for Guo and her co-accused continue to attract significant public and media attention.
