ZAMBOANGA, Philippines—In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and intensify operations against illegal foreign fugitives, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five blacklisted Chinese nationals at Zamboanga International Airport on March 22.
The operation, jointly conducted by the BI Intelligence Division and the Fugitive Search Unit led to the arrest of Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Luo Honglin, 27.
The BI revealed that two of the arrested individuals are fugitives wanted in China, while all five were previously linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) company that was raided for alleged illegal activities.
The BI said they received information from government intelligence sources that the group was stopped during their attempt to flee the country through the backdoor exit route from Tawi-Tawi to Sabah, Malaysia, using a ‘transporter’ to evade authorities.
A ‘transporter’, according to locals, is an individual who facilitates the illegal travel of people from the Philippines to neighboring countries.
However, their escape was thwarted by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) authorities when their boat encountered engine trouble near Languyan Island, Tawi-Tawi.
Upon verification, BI officials confirmed that all five individuals were blacklisted and had violated the terms and conditions of their stay.
Following this confirmation, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado authorized their immediate arrest.
The arrest was effected upon their arrival in Zamboanga City from Tawi-Tawi, escorted by police officers. They were informed of their immigration violations and later turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for safekeeping, pending a preliminary investigation by the BI Legal Division.
Viado thanked the government intelligence agencies for their close coordination, which led to the successful operation.
“This joint arrest underscores the importance of our strong collaboration with government intelligence sources in ensuring that our borders are not exploited by fugitives and undocumented foreign nationals,” said Viado.
He reiterated the importance of vigilance of local government units and local law enforcement agencies in vulnerable areas to prevent the illegal cross border attempts of unscrupulous individuals.
The arrested individuals will remain in the custody of law enforcement authorities while deportation proceedings are initiated.
