By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Five Chinese fugitives whose attempt to illegally depart from the country were foiled by Philippine immigration authorities are back in Manila to face deportation cases.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Luo Honglin, were flown to Manila from Parang, Maguinanao del Norte on Tuesday, according to a news release.
The BI chief said they were arrested on March 22 by joint elements of the intelligence division and fugitive search unit.
The five foreigners were previously linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator that was raided for alleged illegal activities.
According to reports from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Provincial Mobile Force Company and Languyan Municipality Police Station conducted a joint rescue operation on a small speedboat traveling from Parang Jambatan, Jolo on March 21.
The boat sustained damage upon reaching the territorial waters of Barangay Sikullis, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi and needed assistance.
The officers found the Chinese nationals on board, together with three Filipino men.
All eight were brought to the Languyan police for documentation.
Upon verification with the Philippine National Police regional intelligence unit, it was confirmed that the five foreigners are blacklisted and attempting to flee arrest and deportation.
The five reportedly used a transporter who, according to locals, facilitates illegal travels from the Philippines to neighboring countries.
When questioned by the police, the Filipino transporters said they were mere boat operators who were instructed to service passengers across borders. They claimed they did not know that their passengers were Chinese nationals.
“This 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. (PNA)
