Bureau of Immigration

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Bureau of Immigration on Saturday arrested five blacklisted Chinese nationals at the Zamboanga International Airport.

In a press release, the BI Intelligence Division and the Fugitive Search Unit conducted a joint operation that resulted in the arrest of Ying Guanzhen, Yang Jinlong, Liu Xin, Shen Kan and Luo Honglin.

BI said two of the three individuals nabbed are fugitives wanted in China.

The bureau also said all five have been linked to Lucky South 99, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raided in Porac, Pampanga last year.

Last September 2024, the POGO hub's corporate registration was revoked due to illegal operations.

"The BI said they received information from government intelligence sources that the group was stopped during their  attempt to flee the country through the backdoor exit route from Tawi-Tawi to Sabah, Malaysia, using a ‘transporter’ to evade authorities," the press release stated.

The BI said a 'transporter', according to locals, facilitates illegal cross-border travel from the Philippines to neighboring countries.

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BI said authorities from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao prevented the escape of the Chinese nationals, when their boat experienced engine trouble near Languyan Island, Tawi-Tawi.

"Upon verification, BI officials confirmed that all five individuals were blacklisted and had violated the terms and conditions of their stay. Following this confirmation, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado authorized their immediate arrest," the press release stated.

BI said the arrest was in effect upon the arrival of the individuals in Zamboanga City.

The Chinese nationals were informed of their immigration violations and turned over to the Philippine National Police pending preliminary probe by the BI Legal Division.

Viado lauded government intelligence agencies for their close coordination.

“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," he said.

Viado emphasized the importance of vigilance among local government units and local law enforcement agencies, especially in vulnerable areas, to prevent "illegal cross border attempts."

The arrested Chinese nationals will remain in the custody of authorities pending deportation proceedings.

OVERSTAYING AMERICAN, EGYPTIAN ALSO ARRESTED

The BI also said it has arrested an American overstaying in the Philippines, despite being wanted in the United States for drug trafficking. 

The bureau said 51-year-old Henry Watkins, also known as "Tutu", was arrested by BI Fugitive Search Unit operatives on March 18 at his home in Barangay Ubaliw, Polangui, Albay.

BI said the operation was conducted in coordination with the US government, who sought the bureau's assistance. Watkins is on the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wanted list due to alleged ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel in Central America. 

"He will be deported for overstaying and for being an undesirable alien. We cannot allow the Philippines to be used as a sanctuary for foreigners involved in illegal drugs," Viado said.

BI-FSU operatives also nabbed an overstaying Egyptian national in Barangay Igualdad, Naga City last March 19.

BI identified the man as 37-year-old Bakhit Akram Mnayer Gouda.

Gouda was arrested after complaints for direct assault and oral defamation against a police officer were filed against him.

He also faced a separate complaint filed by a local resident for violations of the Safe Spaces Act due to alleged immoral acts.  

Gouda and Watkins are currently in BI custody, pending deportation proceedings.