5 BLACKLISTED CHINESE NATIONALS WHO ATTEMPTED TO FLEE VIA PH BACKDOOR NABBED

FIVE blacklisted Chinese nationals linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) who attempted to flee the country on Saturday were arrested by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration at the Zamboanga International Airport.

Suspects Shen Kan, 36; Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; and Luo Honglin, 27, were caught in a joint operation by the BI Intelligence Division and the Fugitive Search Unit.

Two were wanted in China while all five were linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator raided for illegal activities.

Authorities said the five 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 five Chinese nationals were turned over to the Philippine National Police  (PNP) for safekeeping, pending their deportation.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest  highlights the importance of collaboration with intelligence agencies to prevent fugitives from exploiting our borders.