Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo was relocated from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre in Camp Crame, Quezon City, to the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory on Monday morning, following an order from the Pasig City Regional Trial Court-Branch 167. This development comes amid numerous legal challenges facing the former official.  

The transfer was initially scheduled for the previous Friday but was delayed as the PNP had not yet completed several requirements, including a medical assessment. Guo is now set to share the already overcrowded Pasig City Jail, designed for only nine inmates, with 44 other detainees. This situation has raised concerns about the facility’s capacity and the well-being of its inmates. 

Health concerns: Potential lung infection 

In a radio interview, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Joseph Bustinera revealed an X-ray conducted by the PNP indicated that Guo may be suffering from a lung infection. Due to this health issue, she will be placed in a cell designated for inmates with tuberculosis, as it is the only available space suitable for her medical condition. Bustinera noted that the cell currently houses three other inmates who are also being isolated for tuberculosis. 

Legal issues and upcoming court proceedings 

Guo’s arraignment is scheduled for 27 September via video conferencing, where she faces a non-bailable charge of qualified human trafficking. She has also been linked to illegal activities associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). Investigations have implicated her in various crimes, including human trafficking, graft, money laundering, and misrepresentation. Evidence suggests that Guo partly owned a real estate firm that leased land to a POGO hub in Bamban, which was later raided by authorities. 

Her legal troubles began with a Senate warrant for her arrest, prompting her to flee the country. After being apprehended by Indonesian authorities and extradited back to the Philippines, a Capas, Tarlac court issued a new arrest warrant, resulting in her detention. Additionally, there is speculation that Guo, suspected of being the Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, could be detained as an illegal alien by the Bureau of Immigration. 

Security concerns over Guo’s detention 

Guo’s legal team had initially hoped she would remain in the custody of the PNP due to security concerns. However, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court has upheld its decision to transfer her to the Pasig City Jail.