(UPDATE) THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Friday started the preliminary investigation into the case of trafficking in persons against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and several others.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) before the DoJ on June 21.

The Paocc and CIDG allege that Guo and 13 other respondents are involved in the establishment and running of Baofu, previously Hongshen Technology, which subsequently became Zun Yuan Technology, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) reportedly involved in forced labor, human trafficking, online fraud and investment scams.

The respondents are allegedly aware of the illegal activities in the Baofu compound in Bamban.

Following a search of the hubs, authorities established the close link between Zun Yuan in Baofu compound with Guo and the other respondents.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty urged Guo's four Filipino co-respondents to file counter-affidavits in their defense.

"I'm calling for you to appear here because if you don't answer, you might be charged. The proper venue to file your defense is not in the Senate but here at the Department of Justice," Ty warned the respondents.