Tarlac court issues arrest warrant vs Guo over graft charges

MANILA, Philippines — A Tarlac court has issued an arrest warrant for dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo on charges of graft and corruption.

This has been revealed by Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo in an interview with reporters on Thursday, September 5. 

The charges stemmed from a case filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in June, accusing the dismissed mayor of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The warrant was issued by the Capas, Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 109, with a total bail set at P180,000, divided into P90,000 per count.

This is the first arrest warrant issued against the dismissed mayor by a local court.

Guo also faces arrest orders from the Senate for contempt due to her failure to appear at a probe into the alleged unlawful activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in Bamban.

As of writing, Guo is expected to arrive in the Philippines on Thursday evening from Indonesia, following her transfer from Indonesian police to Philippine officials.

Upon her return, the dismissed mayor will face multiple charges, including those related to her alleged involvement with Bamban POGOs and issues concerning her nationality.

RELATED: Government vs Guo: List of legal hurdles, cases against the Bamban mayor