Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo has been officially committed to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) following a court order issued on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This development comes after she and seven co-accused were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in a qualified human trafficking case connected to an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub.
Court Rejects Plea for Local Detention
A Pasig City court formally rejected Guo's request to remain detained at the Pasig City Jail, ordering her transfer to the national penitentiary. The commitment order also included her co-accused, Rachelle Joan Malonzo Carreon and Jaimielyn Santos Cruz.
In the court's directive, it stated: "The court hereby commits to your lawful custody and care of accused Alice Leal Guo, Rachelle Joan Malonzo Carreon, and Jaimielyn Santos Cruz." This marks a significant turn in the high-profile case that has captured national attention.
Bureau of Corrections Prepares for New Inmates
Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. confirmed their readiness to accept Guo and her co-convicts. He outlined the standard procedure the former mayor would undergo upon arrival at the correctional facility.
"Guo, Carreon and Cruz will undergo a five-day quarantine period and a thorough medical examination before they will be transferred to their cell," Catapang stated in an official announcement. Following initial processing, Guo will be transferred to a regular dormitory within the Maximum Security compound.
Background: From Mayor to Convict
The case against Guo stems from the 2024 raid on an illegal Pogo operation in Bamban, Tarlac. The court found her guilty of qualified human trafficking in relation to this operation, handing down a life sentence to all eight accused individuals.
This sentencing follows Guo's previous appearances before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, where she faced questioning about her involvement in offshore gaming operations during a hearing on September 17, 2024.
Adding to the controversy surrounding her case, Guo is widely believed to be the same person as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, raising additional questions about her background and nationality that have complicated the legal proceedings.
