But only if there’s ‘bigger’ POGO crimes mastermind
The Department of Justice on Saturday said there was still a small possibility of turning dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo into a state witness following her return to the country from Indonesia.
However, Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said this was only possible if Guo could point out the mastermind behind illegal POGO activities in the country.
“As of right now, as far as we know because of what appears in the, investigation, she still stands as the most guilty, thereby disqualifying her to become a state witness,” Clavano said.
“But if we can identify and meet someone even bigger involved in the illegal activities of POGO, then she might become a state witness, because she wouldn’t be the most guilty anymore if there’s an even bigger mastermind out there,” Clavano said.
On Thursday, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said they are now tracking down Duanren Wu, a former Chinese police officer whom he described as the “boss” of Guo and her associate, Cassandra Li Ong.
“That is who we’re after now. We are not the only ones interested in him, even the international authorities are interested in him because of his significant participation and involvement in money laundering, not just in our country but worldwide,” Cruz said.
Wu is the top executive of Whirlwind Corporation – the firm that leased land to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub raided in Porac, Pampanga.
He is also the godfather of Ong who helped her and Guo flee the country on July 17.
Guo returned to the Philippines on Friday following her arrest in Indonesia. She faces several charges, including human trafficking, misrepresentation, graft, and corruption.
Clavano said details of government personnel involved in the illegal exit of Guo will be revealed soon.
“According to the DOJ Secretary (Jesus Crispin Remulla), any action seems to be happening this month. Although I can’t guarantee that either, because if other factors or new information come up, it might get pushed back,” Clavano said.
“The POGO network is quite large. There’s a web of bosses, managers, supervisors that may be helping each other as well,” he added.
Earlier, President Marcos reiterated his firm resolve to hold accountable anyone implicated in aiding Guo escape the country.
“All of those who are implicated in assisting Alice Guo to leave the Philippines illegally as a fugitive from justice will certainly pay the price,” he said.
“You’re asking who will be booted out? It’s not just that we’ll kick them out. We’re also going to file charges against them because what they did is against the law and goes against all the interests of the Philippine judicial system,” he added.
Mr. Marcos earlier said he already has a “very, very good idea” as to who should be held responsible, including those from the Bureau of Immigration.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Alice Guo as state witness possible if mastermind behind illegal POGOs named — DOJ.”
