Former Philippine Mayor Convicted in Human Trafficking Case Tied to Illegal Online Gambling Network

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Jam Sta Rosa/AFP/Getty Images/File

A Philippine court handed down a life sentence to a former mayor linked to an illegal online gaming operation that relied on foreign workers to run scams aimed at defrauding people worldwide. The Pasig City Regional Trial Court in Manila also imposed fines and ordered compensation for multiple victims, marking a significant legal blow against a broader network of trafficking and cybercrime activities.

The convicted individual, who officials say is a Chinese national, was identified by prosecutors as Guo Huaping, a figure who allegedly used a falsified Filipino identity to pursue political office in the town of Bamban, located in northern Tarlac province. The court described the operation as a sprawling scam complex that housed hundreds of workers in a combination of rented offices and buildings near local government centers.

In its ruling, the court asserted that parcels of land and facilities were used to house trafficked workers and compel them to engage in criminal schemes. The verdict follows intensified government actions to curb online gaming operations that prosecutors say have facilitated various forms of exploitation, including financial scams, human trafficking, and other offenses. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had previously ordered a crackdown on hundreds of largely Chinese-run online gaming outfits, leading to widespread raids and the rescue of thousands of workers.

The decision drew praise from lawmakers and anti-trafficking advocates who framed it as a significant step in combating corruption, cybercrime, and cross-border criminal networks. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has led investigations into underground scam operations, called the conviction a victory while noting that the broader fight remains ongoing. She stressed accountability across government agencies and the need to scrutinize foreign influence and potential espionage links associated with such operations.

Guo, who denies the charges and maintains Filipino citizenship, has remained in custody since last year. She was dismissed from her mayoral post by a state ombudsman for grave misconduct and fled the country in 2024 before being located, arrested, and deported from Indonesia. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the reach of illicit online enterprises and the challenges of monitoring cross-border criminal activity.