Philippine NAIA airport immigration intercepts two Chinese fugitives attempting to flee to Malaysia.

Philippine officials from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 departure area recently intercepted two Chinese fugitives, both wanted by the BI and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), as they attempted to flee to Malaysia.

The two fugitives were arrested before boarding and are awaiting deportation.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed that the suspects were identified from the surveillance list by immigration officers before boarding a flight to Kuala Lumpur and were immediately arrested. They have been sent to the BI detention facility in Bagong Diwa Camp, Taguig City, awaiting further deportation proceedings.

Viado stated that the BI Commission will formally issue a deportation order, after which the two will be deported back to China.

First suspect: Huang Xianjun (37 years old)

On November 8, 2023, INTERPOL issued a red notice for him at the request of the Public Security Bureau of Changzhou City, China.

He is accused of participating in telecommunications fraud, being a member of a criminal group involved in an online scam investment platform.

His main modus operandi is the "romance scam," using fake identities to lure victims into investing, ultimately defrauding them.

He was arrested on February 15, 2024, while attempting to leave the country.

Second suspect: Li Xiaolong (23 years old)

On March 9, 2023, the Chongqing River Public Security Bureau issued a detention order against him, accusing him of involvement in economic crimes.

He had worked in a Manila-based offshore gaming company (POGO), hence his work visa was canceled, and he was blacklisted by the BI.

He was intercepted on February 16, 2024, while attempting to leave the country.

The Philippines continues to strengthen border control to prevent international fugitives from using POGOs to evade capture.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration stated that this arrest operation is part of its efforts to enhance border security, particularly against foreign nationals engaged in illegal activities in the Philippines. In recent years, due to the POGO industry's involvement in numerous economic crimes and frauds, the Philippine government is gradually tightening regulations and collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to enhance monitoring and arrest of potential criminals.

The two suspects will be deported back to China after the completion of the deportation proceedings to face judicial trials.