A former Philippine mayor has been handed a life sentence for her involvement in a sophisticated human trafficking operation that exploited victims at a fraudulent scam centre. The case has drawn international attention to the growing problem of organized crime in Southeast Asia.
From Public Office to Criminal Enterprise
Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban town, faced justice after being accused of faking her citizenship to conceal her criminal activities. The case reached its conclusion on November 20, 2025, when the court delivered the maximum penalty for her crimes.
The former public official's downfall began when she was deported from Indonesia in early September 2024. Documentation shows Guo arrived at a private hangar in the City of Pasay, Philippines on September 6, 2024, following her forced return from the neighboring country.
The Scam Centre Operation
Investigators uncovered that Guo masterminded a human trafficking network that operated a fraudulent call centre. The operation allegedly forced victims to work under deplorable conditions while running various scams targeting international victims.
The sentencing marks a significant victory for Philippine authorities who have been cracking down on organized crime groups operating fraudulent call centres and online scam operations. These criminal enterprises have become increasingly sophisticated, often using forced labor to carry out their schemes.
International Implications and Justice Served
The case highlights the cross-border nature of modern human trafficking operations. Guo's deportation from Indonesia demonstrates the cooperation between Southeast Asian nations in combating transnational crime.
Life imprisonment represents the severest punishment available under Philippine law for human trafficking offenses. The sentence sends a strong message to other public officials who might consider using their positions to facilitate criminal activities.
Human rights organizations have praised the outcome, noting that it provides some measure of justice for the victims who suffered under Guo's criminal enterprise. The case also underscores the importance of thorough background checks for public officials to prevent similar situations in the future.
