The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that five Chinese fugitives were arrested while attempting to illegally leave the Philippines and are now undergoing deportation proceedings.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency received information from the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding leads on the individuals who facilitated the attempted escape of the Chinese fugitives through the country’s southern seas.
To escape authorities, the foreign nationals allegedly sought the help of a ‘transporter’—a person known among locals for arranging illegal passage from the Philippines to nearby countries.
On March 22, the five Chinese nationals were arrested in Zamboanga by joint operatives of the Bureau of Immigration’s Intelligence Division and Fugitive Search Unit.
They were then flown to Manila on April 8 to face deportation cases filed against them.
BI noted that the five Chinese nationals had ties to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga that was previously raided for suspected illegal operations.
According to reports from the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), the PNP Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and the Languyan Municipal Police Station conducted a joint rescue operation on March 21, targeting a small speedboat traveling from Parang Jambatan, Jolo.
The boat reportedly became inoperable upon reaching the waters of Brgy. Sikullis, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi. Rescuing officers found Chinese nationals and three Filipino men on board.
Following the rescue, all eight individuals were transported to the Languyan Municipal Police Station for documentation purposes.
In coordination with the PNP Intelligence Group and Regional Intelligence Unit 15, it was confirmed that the five foreigners attempting to flee arrest and deportation through illegal routes were blacklisted.
Meanwhile, during questioning, the Filipino transporters told the PNP that they were merely boatmen instructed to ferry passengers across borders and were unaware that their passengers were Chinese nationals.
The boatmen further stated that they only knew their contact by the name "Batman" and were unaware of his real identity.
Reports obtained by the BI reveal that the PNP is investigating green substances found at the scene, raising concerns of a possible drug deal.
All five individuals have been transferred to the BI's holding facility within Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig.
