By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five blacklisted Chinese nationals at Zamboanga International Airport on Saturday.
The suspects, identified as Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Luo Honglin, 27, were caught in a joint operation by the BI Intelligence Division and the Fugitive Search Unit, according to a news release.
Two were wanted in China, while all five were linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator raided for illegal activities.
Authorities revealed the group attempted to flee the country through a backdoor route from Tawi-Tawi to Sabah, Malaysia, hiring a “transporter” to evade capture.
However, their boat’s engine failed near Languyan Island, Tawi-Tawi, where they were intercepted by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officials.
BI confirmed their blacklist status and immigration violations and they were arrested upon arrival in Zamboanga City.
The suspects were turned over to the Philippine National Police for safekeeping, pending their deportation.
“This arrest highlights the importance of collaboration with intelligence agencies to prevent fugitives from exploiting our borders,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a statement. (PNA)
