MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that a witness who has linked former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to the so-called “boss of bosses” in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry might be considered for the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP).
The alleged “godfather” of POGOs, Lin Xuhan (also known as Lyu Dong), was arrested last week during a raid conducted by authorities in Biñan, Laguna.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilber Cruz stated that the information provided by Lin’s former associate, implicating Guo, is substantial.
Lin, however, has denied all accusations against him.
DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said the inclusion of the witness in the WPP would depend on the evaluation made by authorities conducting the interviews.
“Yung Witness Protection Program, maaari siyang mapasok, depende na sa usapan ng mga law enforcement at mga piskal na nag-i-interview sa kanya, yung halaga niya sa kaso,” Ty explained.
Ty also mentioned that the witness’s testimony would further strengthen the case against Guo, even though there is already strong evidence of her involvement in the illegal POGO industry.
“Nasabi ko naman dagdag ebidensya lang ito. Para sa amin malakas naman ang ebidensya laban kay Alice Guo pero pag may ganitong bagong ebidensya hindi naman kami tatanggi dyan,” Ty added.