On March 22, five Chinese citizens who were on the blacklist attempted to escape the Philippines by boat and were arrested by authorities. Among the five individuals, two were wanted in China and all had connections to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) “Lucky South 99”, which was previously raided for suspected illegal activities.
The arrested individuals are Ying Guanzhen (31 years old), Yang Jinlong (29 years old), Liu Xin (28 years old), Shen Kan (36 years old), and Luo Honglin (27 years old). They have been transferred to the international airport in southern Philippines and officially detained by authorities.
Reports indicate that they tried to escape on an illegal transport boat but encountered engine trouble near the Tawi-Tawi islands in the Philippines. Local law enforcement in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) intervened and successfully intercepted them.
The Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines stated on their website, “Local law enforcement successfully prevented their escape when the boat experienced engine problems near Languyan Island.”
After verifying their identities, the authorities confirmed that all five individuals were blacklisted and had violated residency conditions. Immigration Chief Joel Anthony Viado ordered their arrest, and they have been placed in custody by the Philippine National Police (PNP) pending the Bureau of Immigration’s preliminary investigation.
Viado praised the cooperation of local intelligence units and emphasized the importance of joint arrest operations to prevent fugitives and illegal foreigners from exploiting border vulnerabilities.
The illegal gambling company “Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc.”, linked to the detained individuals, was raided as early as June 5, 2024. The Philippine Department of Justice stated on June 9 that the raid partially aimed at rescuing two Chinese nationals from a “major facility” in Benguet Province, alleging involvement in prostitution, human trafficking, fraud, and other illegal activities.
The Department of Justice disclosed that multiple reports implicated the company in torture and sexual exploitation of foreign employees. Prior to the raid, 157 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese citizens, were already arrested.
This arrest on March 22 comes shortly after Philippine authorities announced an investigation into four Chinese individuals who were accused of spying by donating cash and motorcycles to law enforcement agencies and local governments.
The four individuals – Cai Shaohuang, Chen Hai Tao, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Junren – were found in possession of maps and imagery of Philippine military facilities on March 3.
Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro reassured the public that the President takes such matters seriously and thorough investigations would be conducted upon receiving such information.