A Philippine mayor is under investigation for alleged links to offshore gaming operators (POGOs) based in his city. A recent raid on online gambling companies has further fueled concerns.

Based on the investigation and document discovery, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) asked Senator Gatchalian to launch a detailed investigation into the matter. The investigation will focus on potential links between Bamban City Mayor Alice Guo and POGOs in Tarlac province.

Concerns were raised after the senator's office discovered documents showing that Alice Guo was associated with online gambling companies, specifically various activities related to the operators.

The government is already investigating POGOs for serious illegal detentions and human trafficking, and conducted two raids in February 2023. Recently, the offices of Zunyuan Technology Co., Ltd. were also raided.

Documents show the senator's office discovered a local council resolution passed in 2020 approving Alice Guo's license to operate Hongsheng Gaming Technology Co., Ltd. Additionally, a list of vehicles was uncovered during the raid, including a Ford Expedition registered to Guo.

The raid also revealed an electricity bill worth Php 15.111 million, which, worryingly, was addressed to the mayor, Asia Gaming Brief reported.

In order to reduce the number of crimes, current Senator and former Mayor Gatchalian called on local government officials to focus on preventing crime in the region, which will significantly reduce the overall crime level in the Philippines. He also reminded officials to refuse to associate and do business with questionable businesses such as POGOs.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee has introduced a resolution to assist with legislation to ensure that all allegations of serious unlawful detention, human trafficking, physical abuse, torture, and other alleged violations are thoroughly investigated, specifically Involving the Zunyuan Office in Banban, Tarlac Province.