In a statement, Secretary Benhur Abalos said initial report into Guo’s alleged links to unlawful activities are “troubling”.

“Based on the report, there are troubling findings of serious illegal acts which may have severe legal implications,” said Abalos.

Abalos disclosed that on April 5, he creatred a task force that was tasked to investigate Guo’s alleged links to illegal activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in her town.

Assigned to head the task force was lawyer Benjamin Zabala, head of DILG’s Internal Audit Service. Zabala has submitted the task force’s report which was then sent to the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday (May 17).

“The DILG recommended to the Ombudsman the issuance of a preventive suspension against Mayor Guo to prevent any influence on the continuing investigations of our and other agencies,” said Abalos.

He added: “The DILG will continue to cooperate with the Ombudsman and other investigative bodies on this important issue, united in our shared mission of protecting our local institutions and furthering public interest.”

Guo came under fire following a Senate hearing on the POGO raid conducted by authorities in Bamban.

In the process of the inquiry, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros stumbled on the questionable citizenship of the local executive.

Questioned by senators, Guo could not present any convincing proof that she is indeed a Filipino citizen who is qualified to occupy an elective post.