‎Philippines Convicts Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo of Human Trafficking Linked to Chinese Crime Gangs

By: Shawn
‎The Pasig City Regional Trial Court sentenced former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to life in prison for human trafficking, marking the Philippines’ first successful prosecution of organized trafficking. Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas confirmed the conviction, which also includes a 2 million peso fine and forfeiture of Guo’s compound used in illegal operations.
‎
‎Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo sentenced to life for human trafficking tied to Chinese organized crime and online scam operations in the Philippines.
‎Jam Sta Rosa/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images
‎
‎Alice Guo, elected in 2022 in Tarlac province, was investigated for her connections to Chinese organized crime gangs running online scams and human trafficking networks. Her fingerprints matched a Chinese national, Guo Hua Ping, raising questions about her eligibility for public office.
‎
‎Authorities discovered that Guo had leased a 20-acre property to Zun Yuan Technology, an online gambling company, and assisted with permits to operate an online casino. Police raids on the compound uncovered more than 800 foreign nationals conducting internet fraud operations.
‎
‎International authorities, including the United States and China, have recently increased efforts to disrupt billion-dollar scam centers in Southeast Asia. Criminal syndicates have trafficked tens of thousands of people to facilitate global online fraud schemes.
‎
‎Three other defendants linked to the operation were also sentenced to life in prison with fines of 2 million pesos each. Guo was arrested near Jakarta in September and extradited to the Philippines. Her legal team has yet to respond publicly.

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING!

‎Stanford Researchers Identify 140+ Common Medications That Disrupt Gut Microbiome and Trigger Cancer-Linked Inflammation

Image
‎Researchers at Stanford University have identified more than 140 widely used medications capable of reshaping the gut microbiome and causing bacterial imbalances tied to cancer-promoting inflammation. The study highlights how drugs alter the availability of nutrients in the intestine, forcing microbial populations to compete in ways that can permanently shift gut health. ‎ ‎Stanford scientists identify over 140 medications that disrupt the gut microbiome, reshape nutrient competition, and increase inflammation linked to cancer. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Scientists analyzed how common medications affect diverse gut microbes that influence metabolism, immune activity and overall health. Their findings show that certain drugs eliminate key bacterial strains and change the nutrient landscape, creating conditions where drug-resistant species dominate. ‎ ‎A total of 51 antibiotics, several chemotherapy drugs, antifungal treatments and antipsychotic medications used for schizophrenia...
Read more

‎Putin Responds to U.S. Peace Plan as Trump Pressures Zelenskyy for Swift Decision

Image
‎Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that his country may soon face a critical decision as global leaders examine a U.S. peace proposal viewed as favorable to Russia. His comments followed a national address in which he said Ukraine must balance the protection of its sovereign rights with the American support it continues to rely on. ‎ Putin cautiously backs a U.S. peace plan as Trump sets a deadline for Ukraine, and Zelenskyy weighs the proposal amid European pledges of continued support. ‎Press Service Of The President Of Ukraine via AP ‎ ‎Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed the U.S. plan, calling it a possible basis for a final settlement to the nearly four-year conflict. The proposal contains several long-standing Russian demands, including territorial concessions, a reduced Ukrainian military, and restrictions blocking Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Putin accused Ukraine of rejecting the plan and described Kyiv’s position as unrealistic. ‎ ‎Zelen...
Read more

‎Washington Reports First Human Case of H5N5 Bird Flu as Resident Dies from Complications

Image
‎A Washington resident has died from complications linked to an H5N5 bird flu infection, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The strain has not been previously reported in humans, marking a rare development in ongoing avian influenza surveillance. ‎ ‎Washington health officials report the first human H5N5 bird flu case after an older resident dies, as monitoring continues and public risk remains low. ‎CDC/NIAID/AP ‎ ‎The individual was an older adult with underlying medical conditions and had been hospitalized for treatment. Health officials identified the case as the first human bird flu infection in the United States in nine months and the second reported human death from the virus in the country. ‎ ‎The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the overall public risk remains low. Monitoring of people who were in close contact with the patient continues, and no additional positive tests have been reported. Officials have not found evid...
Read more

‎Mike Johnson Defends Trump's 'Sedition' Claims Against Democrats Amid Military Order Controversy

Image
‎Speaker Mike Johnson publicly defended President Donald Trump’s recent statements accusing congressional Democrats of “sedition.” Johnson said the controversy arose after Democrats posted a video suggesting military members should disobey unlawful orders from Trump. ‎ ‎Speaker Mike Johnson backs Trump’s sedition claims, criticizing Democrats for urging troops to disobey orders while calling remarks “fact-based.” ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Johnson characterized the Democrats’ actions as “wildly inappropriate” and insisted that Trump’s message, which included the phrase “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH,” was a factual description of the crime of sedition. Johnson noted that legal experts would need to examine the wording in context. ‎ ‎Trump had earlier shared a repost from another Truth Social user stating, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!!” Johnson acknowledged he had not reviewed the full scope of Trump’s posts but supported his criticism of the six House and Senate Demo...
Read more

‎San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy Must Regain Confidence After Turnovers Against Panthers

Image
‎The San Francisco 49ers managed a 20-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers, but quarterback Brock Purdy’s performance raised concerns. Purdy threw three first-half interceptions and struggled to pass beyond 10 yards in the second half, limiting the offense’s big-play potential. ‎ ‎Brock Purdy struggled with turnovers and limited deep throws in 49ers’ win over Panthers. Confidence and playmaking key for upcoming games. ‎Brooke Sutton/Getty Images ‎ ‎Purdy emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence after turnovers. He stated, “As a quarterback, you can’t lose confidence in yourself. You can’t shrivel back and take a bunch of checkdowns.” This mindset is critical as the 49ers rely on his playmaking ability to drive the team forward. ‎ ‎San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan has previously demonstrated a willingness to call timeouts to protect Purdy, highlighting the impact turnovers and hesitation can have on offensive efficiency. Purdy currently ranks second-worst in...
Read more

‎Trump Administration Expands Immigration Crackdown After Washington Shooting of National Guard Members

Image
‎Federal officials accelerated a sweeping immigration crackdown after the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House left the victims in critical condition. The Trump administration launched new actions as investigators continued examining the cross-country movements of suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal. ‎ ‎Trump administration widens immigration crackdown after the Washington ambush of two National Guard members as investigators pursue a nationwide terror probe. ‎Win McNamee/Getty Images ‎ ‎The victims, West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, were shot Wednesday in an ambush close to the White House. Authorities apprehended Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, shortly after the attack and opened a nationwide terrorism investigation. ‎ ‎The US attorney for Washington, DC, Jeanine Pirro, described the shooting as a “brazen and targeted” attack. Federal agents searched the crime scene and executed warrants at locations in Washing...
Read more

‎U.S. and Saudi Arabia Finalize Historic Billion-Dollar Civil Nuclear Energy Deal

Image
‎A major step in U.S.–Saudi relations was announced as both nations confirmed a historic civil nuclear energy deal valued in the billions. The agreement was revealed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, D.C., marking his first trip to the U.S. capital in seven years. ‎ ‎The U.S. and Saudi Arabia confirm a historic civil nuclear energy deal as President Trump meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington. ‎Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ‎ ‎President Donald Trump hosted the Crown Prince at the White House, where officials highlighted the significance of the newly signed Joint Declaration on the Completion of Negotiations on Civil Nuclear Cooperation. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright described the development as a key moment for the partnership between both countries and emphasized its scale. ‎ ‎The statement outlined the core goals of the civil nuclear cooperation framework, including the introduction of American nuclear technology t...
Read more

‎Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates Again Amid Inflation and Job Market Struggles

Image
‎The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, marking the second rate reduction this year as the U.S. central bank works to stimulate economic activity and strengthen a slowing labor market. The decision highlights the Fed’s ongoing challenge of balancing rising inflation with signs of weakening employment growth. ‎ ‎The Federal Reserve lowers interest rates for the second time this year to support a slowing U.S. economy as inflation and job concerns persist. ‎Kent Nishimura/Getty Images ‎ ‎At a press conference following the announcement, Fed Chair Jerome Powell likened the economy to “driving in the fog,” explaining that policymakers are proceeding cautiously amid uncertainty. The cut is intended to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, potentially reducing rates on credit cards and auto loans. ‎ ‎The Fed’s accompanying statement noted that economic growth continues, but job gains have slowed and inflation remai...
Read more

‎Washington Man Contracts Rare H5N5 Bird Flu in First-Ever Human Case Confirmed in the U.S.

Image
‎A rare strain of bird flu known as H5N5 has infected a man in Washington state, marking the first time this subtype has been detected in a human. Health officials confirmed that the patient became “severely ill” earlier this month, presenting with high fever, confusion and respiratory distress before hospital admission. ‎ ‎A Washington man becomes the first confirmed human case of H5N5 bird flu in the U.S., prompting an investigation as health officials report low public risk. ‎RogerPhoto/stock.adobe.com ‎ ‎The Washington State Department of Health described the man as “older” with “underlying health conditions.” Officials reported that he kept a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at his home in Grays Harbor County on the state’s southwest Pacific coast, where his birds lived near areas accessible to wild ducks and geese. ‎ ‎Two of his domestic birds recently died, according to reporting from the Washington Post. The Department of Health stated that exposure likely c...
Read more

‎Supreme Court to Hear Tariff Power Challenges Against Trump Under IEEPA

Image
‎The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled expedited oral arguments for November 5 in two consolidated cases that challenge President Donald Trump’s authority to impose widespread tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The cases, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, were granted one hour for combined argument—an unusually swift scheduling by the Court’s standards. ‎ ‎The Supreme Court will review challenges to Trump’s use of IEEPA for tariffs on Nov. 5, focusing on presidential emergency powers in trade. ‎Associated Press ‎ ‎Small businesses and multiple states brought the challenges, asserting that the former president overstepped his legal authority by invoking emergency powers to implement import tariffs on goods from nearly every country. They argue these measures pushed many businesses to the brink of financial collapse and violated the scope of federal law. ‎ ‎The legal debate centers on the IEEPA, a statute enac...
Read more