Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio revealed on Saturday that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is believed to be heading towards the Golden Triangle region, following reports that she was still in Indonesia. Speaking at a news forum, Casio expressed confidence that Guo, a person of interest in both the Philippines and China due to illegal gambling charges, is attempting to enter the Golden Triangle area—a region notorious for its complex criminal networks.
Casio emphasized that Guo cannot seek refuge in China, as the country is known for its strict stance against gambling, both within its borders and involving its citizens abroad. “She is already a person of interest as far as China is concerned because she’s accused of a serious crime in the Philippines in relation to illegal gambling,” Casio explained.
The Golden Triangle, located at the intersecting borders of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia, is known for its challenging terrain and limited law enforcement presence, making it a preferred destination for fugitives. Casio mentioned that the Guo family has established business and gambling interests in Cambodia, further suggesting that this region might be their target.
“They are part of a big criminal organization, the Fujian Gang, which is linked to the Golden Triangle triad,” Casio said. He acknowledged the difficulty in apprehending Guo once she reaches the Golden Triangle, citing the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar as a significant obstacle. “Medyo mahihirapan tayo, may giyera doon eh (We will have a hard time, there’s a war over there),” he noted.
The situation involving Guo gained public attention after Senator Risa Hontiveros disclosed that the former mayor, identified as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, left the Philippines on July 18 for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since then, Guo has reportedly traveled to multiple Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed on Friday that Guo is still in Indonesia and has not attempted to leave. Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities have detained Guo’s sister, Shiela Guo, and Cassandra Li Ong, a representative of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) that was raided in Porac, Pampanga. Alice Guo is facing charges related to this POGO hub in Bamban.
Casio mentioned that the PAOCC is awaiting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an arrest warrant for Guo, which would allow them to coordinate with Interpol. “In the absence of a warrant of arrest, we cannot operate. ‘Pag nakuha na natin ang warrant from DOJ, we can trigger a notice, red notice, puwede na natin makuha,” he said.