Seven co-accused of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo in the qualified human trafficking case filed in Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) are now in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Among the five accused who surrendered to the NBI are Jamielyn Santos Cruz, alleged President of Zun Yuan Technology Inc., Rachelle Carreon, Rita Yturralde, Rowena Gonzales, and Thelma Laranan.
Meanwhile, two individuals surrendered to the Anti-Organized Crime Task Force: Juan Alpas and Roderick Pujante, who allegedly served as the treasurer and secretary of the mentioned company.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago, at a press briefing on Monday, led the media presentation of the individuals.
According to the suspects, they decided to come forward out of fear and to clear their names, which they claim have been only used without their knowledge and permission.
Most of those who surrendered claimed they did not know Guo, while Jamielyn Santos, who identified herself as a host at a TV station, admitted to knowing Guo but insisted that she has no connection to her.
Meanwhile, Santiago stated that they will now submit the return of warrant for the accused to the court and will await the issuance of a commitment order from the court.
He also mentioned that they are coordinating with the court to provide protection for the seven alleged cohorts of the dismissed mayor who surrendered.
Charges have been filed against Guo and her co-accused for their suspected roles in an illegally operating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Tarlac, where hundreds were allegedly compelled to conduct online scams.
On September 19, Pasig RTC Branch 167 issued a warrant for the arrest of Guo and her co-accused on charges of qualified trafficking in persons.
