5 Chinese POGO workers intercepted

MANILA, Philippines — Five Chinese workers reportedly involved in Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) were apprehended on Saturday while attempting to flee to Sabah, Malaysia through Tawi-Tawi.

Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36, and Luo Honglin, 27, were on a boat near Languyan Island in Tawi-Tawi when its engine failed, enabling Bangsamoro authorities to intercept them.

The blacklisted Chinese nationals are linked to Lucky South 99 Corp., a POGO hub in Pampanga raided by authorities, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Two of the suspects are fugitives wanted in China, the BI noted.

Government intelligence sources informed the BI that a “transporter” was aiding the group in their escape.

A transporter is a person facilitating illegal travel from the Philippines to neighboring states, the BI said, citing local sources.

At the Zamboanga International Airport, the suspects were turned over to the Philippine National Police pending preliminary investigation and deportation.