A Philippine court has sentenced former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Leal Guo to life imprisonment for her role in a human trafficking operation linked to the Baofu compound, according to multiple news reports.

According to Reuters, the Pasig Regional Trial Court – Branch 167 handed down the sentence on Wednesday. Guo was convicted of qualified human trafficking, and the court also ordered the forfeiture of the Baofu compound to the government. Seven other co-accused received similar sentences. 

The Baofu compound, which was raided by authorities in March 2024, housed over 700 foreign and local workers, many of whom were allegedly forced to work in exploitative conditions in connection with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). According to The Guardian, investigations revealed luxury villas, office buildings, and facilities used for coercive operations.

Guo, a Chinese national, had previously been elected Mayor, but her eligibility was challenged due to citizenship concerns. She attended the sentencing via video link from the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory.

The co-accused include Jaimielyn Santos Cruz, Rachelle Malonzo Carreon, Walter Wong Rong, Wang Weili, Wuli Dong, Nong Ding Chang, and Lang Xu Po, who were all found guilty of organizing or committing acts of human trafficking.

Senators and human rights advocates hailed the ruling as a significant step against human trafficking and online scam syndicates. Senator Risa Hontiveros described the verdict as a “victory against exploitation,” while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said it sends a “strong warning to criminal networks” operating in the country, as stated by GMA News.

Authorities say the ruling underscores the government’s commitment to combating human trafficking linked to offshore gaming and exploitative labour practices. The Baofu compound’s forfeiture is intended to prevent further criminal activity at the site.