House, Senate take custody of Shiela Guo, Ong
THE House of Representatives took custody of Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, a central figure in the ongoing investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and their associated illegal activities.
This was announced by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the lead chairman of the House Quad Committee investigating the illegal POGO and its connections to extra judicial killing and war on drugs of the former administration.
These POGOs, which flourished during the administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, were later banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after they were found to be fronts for numerous criminal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking, and illegal drug trade.
Ong, an authorized representative of the controversial POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, was handed over to the House by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following an arrest and detention order issued by the chamber.
House Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas officially received Ong at 12:57 p.m. yesterday from the NBI, with turnover papers signed by NBI Assistant Director Winmar Ramos.
According to the turnover papers, Ong was informed of her legal rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, the right to bail, protection against torture, and prohibition of unlawful detention. All her personal belongings were handed over to her, with an acknowledgment signed by Ong.
Ong has been charged and underwent inquest proceedings on August 23, 2024, for violations under Section 1(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1829 and Section 45(h) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, also known as the “Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.”
The NBI has requested to be notified before any decision to release Ong from Congress custody.
Ong was cited for contempt by the House after repeatedly failing to attend hearings related to POGO-related crimes, including those allegedly involving Lucky South 99, whose hub in Porac was raided by authorities.
Meanwhile , Senate spokesperson Atty. Arnel Jose Banas announced that the sister of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo or Guo Hua PingSheila Guo is now in the custody of the Senate after she was formally turned over by the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday afternoon.
Guo, along with her companion Cassandra Li Ong, is scheduled to appear at a Senate hearing today regarding the alleged illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Atty. Banas confirmed that Sheila Guo was formally examined by the Senate medical team to ensure her physical and mental health.
The Senate security team led by Sergeant-at-Arms retired Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan has assured the protection and safety of Guo inside the Senate premises. A round-the-clock security team is posted near Guo’s accommodation. Jester P. Manalastas and Camille P. Balagtas