The Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines recently arrested five Chinese nationals on the blacklist at the Sanbangyan International Airport, including two fugitives wanted by China. It is reported that these individuals are related to the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) Lucky South 99, which was raided last year in Pampanga Province, Porac.
The Intelligence Division and the Fugitive Search Team of the Immigration Bureau jointly launched an operation on March 23, arresting Ying Guanzhen, Yang Jinlong, Liu Xin, Shen Kan, and Luo Honglin at the airport in Sanbangyan City. Investigations revealed that two of them were wanted by the Chinese government for criminal activities, while the other three were blacklisted for violating Philippine immigration laws.
The Immigration Bureau stated that these five individuals originally planned to escape to Sabah, Malaysia, via an illegal exit route in Tawi-Tawi, using an illegal transport known as "transporter." However, their boat encountered engine failure near Ranguyan Island and was eventually intercepted and arrested by law enforcement officers from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Previously, the Immigration Bureau indicated that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and former Bamban town mayor Alice Leal Guo might have also escaped the Philippines using the same smuggling route.
The Lucky South 99 POGO center, suspected of illegal operations, was ordered to cease operations by the government as early as September 2024. Subsequently, some related personnel attempted to flee the Philippines, and the five arrested individuals were part of this group.
In a press statement, the Immigration Bureau stated: "Upon verification, these Chinese citizens not only violated the Philippine stay regulations but also attempted to cross the border illegally. Given their blacklist status, Bureau Director Joel Anthony Viado has ordered their immediate arrest."
Currently, the five suspects have been handed over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for further investigation by the legal department of the Immigration Bureau and to initiate deportation procedures.
Bureau Director Viado affirmed this operation and thanked the government intelligence agencies for their assistance. He emphasized: "This successful arrest operation once again highlights the necessity of our close cooperation with government intelligence departments to ensure that the Philippine borders do not become a haven for fugitives and undocumented foreigners."
He also reminded local governments and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant at all times, especially in border and remote areas, to prevent illegal entry and exit attempts.
Currently, the five arrested Chinese citizens are detained in the Immigration Detention Center, awaiting further deportation procedures.
