3 Chinese with alleged POGO links nabbed after 'backdoor' exit try

Three Chinese citizens were arrested after trying to exit the Philippines via a backdoor route in Tawi-Tawi. 

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Monday, authorities first intercepted a Chinese couple in Mapun Port who originally came from Cambodia and are allegedly connected to Philippine offshore gaming operation. The local police in Tawi-Tawi reported them to the Bureau of Immigration.

 “Patawid papuntang Malaysia, so nahuli sila sa maliit na isla ng Mapun. Itong Mapun na ito ay parte pa ng Tawi-Tawi kung saan ito ay ngang ginagamit ng tawiran nitong mga pugante  or may mga kaso sa atin na Chinese or even Filipinos na nagtatangkang tumakas palabas ng bansa,” said BI Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Sy. 

(They were supposed to cross to Malaysia, they were caught on the small island of Mapun. This Mapun is still part of Tawi-Tawi, which is used as a crossing point by these fugitives or those with pending cases here, including Chinese or even Filipinos, who are attempting to escape the country.) 

The authorities next arrested an alleged Chinese businessman who was then buying fish. But it was found out that his visa and travel documents had already expired. 

“Ito pong backdoor natin sa Tawi-Tawi ay kung saan nakakalusot yung mga ini-smuggle na mga tao or mga fugitives na paalis ay hindi malayo ay makubli yung mga kontrabando sa area na ‘yan,” said Sy. 

(This backdoor in Tawi-Tawi is where people who are being smuggled or fugitives trying to leave can get through, and it's possible that contrabands can be passed through that area.) 

The arrested foreigners earlier arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. The BI is investigating who the people are who could have helped them pass through the back door. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News