Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian disclosed the identities of three foreign nationals believed to have played a role in assisting former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo during her flight from the Philippines. The individuals in question are Duanren Wu, Zhang Jie, and Huang Zhiyang.

Gatchalian claimed these individuals were instrumental in arranging Guo’s accommodation and travel. According to the senator, footage from Guo’s arrest in Indonesia showed Chinese-speaking individuals in the background, suggesting a network of Chinese associates involved in her escape. 

POGO connection

Duanren Wu, an incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., is linked to the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac, Pampanga, where the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations were based. Huang Zhiyang, another key figure, is reported to be a major player in the POGO sector and was identified as possessing multiple passports, including those from China and several other countries. Zhang Jie, reportedly a former president of Lucky South 99, is also mentioned in connection with the POGO firm.  

The exact role of these individuals in facilitating Guo’s escape remains unclear, as Guo herself has not directly identified them during the Senate hearings. However, hints from Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada suggest that Huang, described as a “boss of all bosses” in the POGO industry, might have been involved.  

Guo allegedly offered over €16 million to resolve legal troubles 

In another development, former Philippine Senator Panfilo Lacson has revealed that Guo purportedly offered PHP1 billion (€16.1 million) to resolve her legal issues. Lacson, citing information from a Filipino-Chinese businessman, stated that Guo made this offer before her departure from the Philippines in July.  

According to Lacson, the offer was made to address Guo’s legal entanglements with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other authorities. The former senator noted that the payment was not intended to facilitate her escape but rather to resolve her legal troubles.  

The businessman who was approached by Guo allegedly possesses significant connections in China and claims ties with influential figures. However, he chose not to relay the offer to his contacts, and it remains unclear whether he had any direct dealings with Guo.  

Guo, currently detained at the Philippine National Police custodial centre following her arrest in Indonesia on September 4, had been on the run since the Senate ordered her arrest for failing to cooperate with investigations into her connections with POGO operators in Bamban. Lacson also called for a thorough investigation into Guo’s background and her network, citing potential national security risks.