The Chinese nationals identified as Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlang, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Lou Honglin—were later confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as blacklisted foreign nationals previously associated with Lucky South 99, a POGO firm earlier flagged and raided for illegal operations.-Tawi-Tawi PNP Photo
DAVAO CITY (April 8) –Five Chinese nationals, reportedly blacklisted workers from a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) company, were rescued off the coast of Barangay Sikullis, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi on March 21, 2025, after their motorized boat sustained damage during an attempted illegal backdoor exit from the country.
The Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office (TTPPO), led by PCOL Rodolfo A. Inoy Jr., conducted the operation in coordination with the Languyan Municipal Police Station (PLT Sharif-Jan S. Jumdain), 2nd PMFC, 212MC-MBLT12 (1LT Raymond Escote PN (M)), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and RIU-9.
The rescued individuals, identified as Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlang, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Lou Honglin, were later confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as blacklisted foreign nationals previously associated with Lucky South 99, a POGO firm earlier flagged and raided for illegal operations.
According to the BI, two of the five individuals are fugitives wanted in China, while all are now facing deportation proceedings.
Authorities also confiscated five (5) packages of suspected illegal drugs, weighing approximately 5 kilograms, found hidden inside the disabled boat. The substances have since been turned over for forensic examination.
The boat was reportedly carrying three Filipino crew members, who acted as the group’s “transporters” and are now under investigation. Law enforcement is probing potential human trafficking, illegal entry facilitation, and drug smuggling links to organized crime groups.
The Chinese nationals attempted to escape the country by sea, traveling via an unauthorized maritime route from Jambatan, Jolo, to Languyan, Tawi-Tawi. However, their plans were disrupted when their vessel experienced a mechanical malfunction, prompting what initially appeared to be a rescue operation.
The Philippine National Police Intelligence Group quickly verified their identities during processing and immediately transferred them to the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
The arrest and recovery operation comes amid ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal POGO networks operating in the Philippines. Lucky South 99, the POGO firm tied to the arrested individuals, has previously been involved in online illicit gaming, labor violations, and human trafficking allegations.
Immigration authorities warned that foreign fugitives and illegal workers using the Philippines as a hideout or escape route would be aggressively pursued.
“We are intensifying efforts to secure our borders and prevent abuse of our maritime entry points. Fugitives and criminals will not find refuge here,” said an official from the Bureau of Immigration.
About Editha Z. Caduaya
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
