DILG moves to revoke Mayor Alice Guo's deputization over POGO irregularities

On Monday, May 20, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. instructed the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to initiate proceedings for revoking Mayor Alice Guo's deputization in Bamban, Tarlac.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson clarified that revoking Guo’s deputization will not affect the authority and functions of local police forces in enforcing the law.

On Thursday, Napolcom will hear from Mayor Guo and two others as part of its ongoing process to consider withdrawing her deputization following allegations linking her to irregularities involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Napolcom Commissioner Ricardo Bernabe III stated that a letter request along with the report will be sent to Mayor Guo tomorrow, giving her three days to respond.

The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended Mayor Guo's preventive suspension to prevent any influence on ongoing investigations into her alleged connection to POGO activities in Tarlac province.

A seven-man DILG task force submitted a report containing troubling findings of serious illegal acts by Guo, which may have severe legal implications.

Law enforcers raided a POGO hub near Bamban Municipal Hall in March, rescuing 875 Filipino and foreign workers.