Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives intercepted five Chinese fugitives who tried to flee the country through the Philippine backdoor.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that the foreign fugitives, all wanted in China for various crimes, were intercepted in Tawi-Tawi.
The five, identified as Ying Guanzhen, Yang Jinlong, Liu Xin, Shen Kan, and Luo Honglin, 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.
The arrest was made possible in coordination with the PNP and local officials of Tawi-Tawi.
“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 by 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.