POGO associates Ong, Guo arrested in Phils after Indonesia detention

Katherine Cassandra Ong and Sheila Guo, associates of dismissed mayor Alice Guo linked to the Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga, have been taken into custody by Philippine authorities after being held in Indonesia.

The two arrived in the Philippines on Thursday afternoon, August 22 following their detention in Indonesia. They underwent medical check-ups and an inquest proceeding before being transferred to legislative bodies for questioning about their alleged illegal activities.

Sheila Guo faces charges related to her refusal to attend Senate hearings on POGOs and falsification of documents while Ong was cited in contempt by the House for refusing to appear at a hearing and is charged with obstruction of justice. Both women are also under investigation for possible immigration violations.

The arrests highlight ongoing investigations into illegal POGOs in the Philippines, raising questions about connections between these operations and extrajudicial killings and drug trade.