The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the arrest of five blacklisted Chinese nationals at Zamboanga International Airport during a joint operation by its Intelligence Division and Fugitive Search Unit on Saturday.
The individuals—Ying Guanzhen, Yang Jinlong, Liu Xin, Shen Kan, and Luo Honglin—were linked to Lucky South 99, a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, previously shut down in 2024 for illegal operations. Two of the five are fugitives wanted in China.
Authorities intercepted the group after their failed attempt to flee via a backdoor route from Tawi-Tawi to Sabah, Malaysia, using a “transporter” to avoid detection. Their boat broke down near Languyan Island, and they were apprehended upon arrival in Zamboanga City.
“Upon verification, BI officials confirmed that all five individuals were blacklisted and had violated the terms and conditions of their stay,” the BI said. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered their immediate arrest and lauded the strong coordination with government intelligence agencies.
“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,” Viado said.
The five are now in custody pending deportation proceedings.
Meanwhile, the BI Fugitive Search Unit also arrested 51-year-old American Henry Watkins, also known as “Tutu”, in Polangui, Albay on March 18. Watkins, wanted in the United States for drug trafficking, has alleged ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“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.
Another arrest took place on March 19, when the BI apprehended Egyptian national Bakhit Akram Mnayer Gouda in Naga City. Gouda, 37, faces complaints for direct assault, oral defamation against a police officer, and violations of the Safe Spaces Act for alleged immoral acts.
Watkins and Gouda remain in BI custody, awaiting deportation.