Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. ABS-CBN News/file   

MANILA — The Office of the President on Tuesday sought the cancellation of the passports of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, her siblings, and businesswoman Cassandra Ong.

In a letter addressed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), the OP requested the cancellation of the passports of Alice Guo, her siblings Wesley Guo and Sheila Guo, and Ong, who Guo supposedly met in Singapore.

“Under Republic Act No. 11983, also known as the 'New Philippine Passport Act', the DFA Secretary may cancel a passport in the interest of national security. Under the same law, one of the grounds for the cancellation of a Philippine passport is when the court issues an order for its cancellation as the holder is a fugitive from justice,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in his request.

Bersamin’s order came shortly after the Bureau of Immigration said that Guo had already fled the Philippines, where she is facing human trafficking charges over her links with a POGO company operating in her town.

“It is worthy to note that currently, the Senate issued arrest warrants against Guo and her family for unduly refusing to appear, despite due notices, its probe into the illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). A criminal complaint has also been filed against her for qualified trafficking, and other cases are likewise being prepared for her alleged involvement in POGO operations. Cassandra Ong ("Ong"), one of the individuals whom Guo met in Singapore, was also cited in contempt by the House of Representatives for her failure to attend hearings,” Bersamin noted.

“Given the foregoing and in the interest of justice, this Office hereby directs that appropriate action be taken for the cancellation of the Philippine passports of Guo, her family, and Ong,“ the memorandum signed by Bersamin on August 20, 2024 stated.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday said Guo entered Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 18. The senator presented the following proof of Guo's supposed entry to Malaysia during a Senate session.

Guo has left Philippines, says Hontiveros

Guo allegedly later went to Singapore and met with her father, supposed Chinese mother, and brother Wesley, who flew in from China.

Hontiveros later urged the DFA to immediately cancel Guo’s passport. - with a report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News

Hontiveros wants DFA to cancel Guo's PH passport 'immediately'