By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has asked the prosecution panel handling the human trafficking charges against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, to turn down her plea for an opportunity to give her side despite failing to attend previous preliminary hearings on the charges.
In a two-page opposition paper, PAOCC asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny the motion of Alice Guo’s lawyers to reopen the investigation into the criminal charges against her, citing that she could not have personally appeared before a notarizing officer this month as she had reportedly already left the country early July.
“In fact, respondent Guo did not personally appear before any of the members of the panel to submit her motion and its attached counter-affidavit,” the PAOCC said.
It added that while the circumstances of the discrepancy were best investigated, it should not be allowed to delay the proceedings against Guo in the meantime.
The DOJ prosecution panel previously denied Guo’s bid for an extension of time to submit a counter-affidavit.
The case has been submitted for resolution after Guo was deemed to have waived the filing of her counter-affidavit after repeatedly snubbing proceedings before prosecutors.
Guo has sought leniency from the prosecution panel, citing “interest of justice and due process,” and asked to reopen the investigation to allow her to submit a counter-affidavit.
She is charged with Republic Act (RA) 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, and RA No. 9208, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Guo’s companions detained in Indonesia
Meanwhile, Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that two companions of Guo, including her sister, are currently detained in Indonesia.
“Yes, they are detained. It proves the connection between the operations in Bamban and Porac,” Remulla said in response to media inquiries about the detention of Cassandra Li Ong and Sheila Guo, Alice Guo’s sister.
“We found a definite connection between Alice Guo and Cassandra Li Ong, which indicates that the activities in Bamban and Porac are closely linked,” Remulla added.
Remulla also confirmed that Guo may be in Indonesia.
“The news is she’s in Indonesia, and we have already verified this. Our people are currently working on the matter.”
