https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241852

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of 62 counts of money laundering charges against former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo (Guo Hua Ping) and 31 others in connection with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her town, an official said Wednesday.

In an interview with reporters, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said the panel of prosecutors handling the case against Guo has recommended filing 26 counts of money laundering under section 4(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) on the transaction of monetary instruments that were illegal proceeds of an unlawful activity.

The panel also recommended that Guo be charged with five counts of money laundering under Section 4(b) on the conversion, transfer, or disposition or movement of monetary instruments found to be illegal proceeds of an unlawful activity.

It also recommended 31 counts of violation of section 4(b) of the AMLA to be filed against Guo and her co-accused.

A separate complaint for concealment or disguise of the true nature of the source of funds against Guo was recommended to be dismissed by the DOJ.

The DOJ also dismissed a separate charge for aiding and abetting or assisting in the commission of the money laundering offenses against lawyer Jason Masuerte, Nancy Gamo, and Cassie Li Ong.

"It was dismissed on the basis of lack of prima facie evidence and reasonable certainty of conviction," Clavano said.

He said the resolution issued by the panel of prosecutors noted that some of the accused’s operations were discovered to be scamming, such as love scams, investment scams, or crypto scams.

“Yun po ay findings din ng ating law enforcement agencies and as a result, that's where they profited. Doon sila nagkapera at ginamit yung pera na yun para pambili ng iba’t ibang assets (These were also the findings of our law enforcement agencies, and that is where they profited. That is where they earned money, and used the proceeds to purchase assets)," Clavano said.

Guo and her co-accused are also facing charges of qualified human trafficking over the June raid on a POGO hub in Bamban where 800 Filipino and foreign workers were rescued.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) also alleged an intricate network of criminal activities linking POGOs to drug syndicates and corporate fraud.