Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo asks DOJ to dismiss human trafficking complaint

Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss a qualified human trafficking complaint filed against her.

In her counter-affidavit submitted on Friday, August 16, Guo argues that there is insufficient evidence connecting her to human trafficking and cites security concerns for not personally attending preliminary hearings.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez stated that the DOJ will carefully review Guo's request despite previous opportunities given for her camp to submit a counter-affidavit.

Vasquez added that the investigating panel will thoroughly examine whether to grant another opportunity to Guo, who claims she was unjustifiably denied the chance to file her affidavit due to delays.

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) filed a non-bailable offense against Guo on June 21 in connection with a raided POGO hub where over 800 foreign nationals were rescued.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty noted that while the rule is for individuals to personally file affidavits, he will submit Guo's counter-affidavit to prosecutors who may accept it or not.