Photo credit: BI

Five Chinese nationals blacklisted in the Philippines were arrested at Zamboanga International Airport on March 22, following an operation by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The group was reportedly trying to flee the country via a notorious “backdoor” route from Tawi-Tawi to Sabah, Malaysia.

The Arrest and the Escape Attempt

The BI, working alongside the Fugitive Search Unit, apprehended Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Luo Honglin, 27. Two of them are fugitives wanted in China, while all five had ties to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) previously raided for alleged illegal activities.

Authorities received intelligence that the group planned to escape using a “transporter”—a term locals use for individuals who help people illegally cross borders.

However, luck wasn’t on their side. Their boat broke down near Languyan Island in Tawi-Tawi, leaving them stranded and exposed.

How They Got Caught

Local law enforcement in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) intercepted the group after their vessel’s engine trouble gave authorities the perfect opportunity to act. Once they were transported to Zamboanga City, BI officials confirmed their blacklisted status and immigration violations.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado immediately authorized their arrest, and they were handed over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for safekeeping while deportation proceedings begin.

Government’s Warning Against Illegal Exits

Viado praised the intelligence units involved, emphasizing the need for strict border security to prevent fugitives and undocumented individuals from exploiting the Philippines as a transit hub.

“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,” Viado said.

The arrested individuals will remain in the custody of authorities as the BI processes their deportation.

This operation serves as another reminder that the government is keeping a close watch on illegal foreign nationals trying to slip through Philippine borders.