Major Arrests in Pampanga
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested several high-risk Chinese nationals in separate operations across Pampanga. These included raids inside the Clark Freeport Zone and a casino in Angeles City.
On June 28th, officers apprehended Chinese national Zhao Jianfeng, 28, in a residential area at Clark. Chinese authorities had issued a detention warrant for Zhao on June 16th through the Liangqing Branch of the Nanning Municipal Public Security Bureau. They accuse Zhao of being a core member of a transnational syndicate involved in online investment and telecom scams. These scams targeted Chinese citizens. Officials confirmed that Zhao and his associates had been operating from the Philippines when the alleged crimes occurred.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado described Zhao as part of a “dangerous and organized network.” He warned that Zhao’s presence posed a serious risk to public safety.
Casino Raid and Further Arrests
During a follow-up operation, agents arrested another alleged syndicate member, Lu Bingbing, inside a casino in Angeles City. Authorities noted that Lu failed to present a passport or valid immigration documents during the arrest.
Moreover, the coordinated raids, conducted with support from local intelligence agencies, uncovered five additional Chinese nationals allegedly involved in cyber fraud. Agents found Song Genyuan, Wu Xinxu, Wen Jing, Xu Yongcheng, and Lin Jinyang operating computer workstations suspected to be used for telecom scams.
Next Steps Toward Deportation
Currently, all suspects are undergoing booking and documentation. BI officials have transferred them to the BI Warden Facility while they await deportation proceedings. Viado stressed that the bureau remains in close coordination with Chinese authorities to arrange the fugitives’ repatriation and prosecution.
Issuing a stern warning to other fugitives hiding in the country, Viado declared:
“You will be found, and you will be sent home. The Bureau, under the Marcos administration, is working hand in hand with our international counterparts. This cooperation aims to protect the Filipino public from fraud and criminal infiltration.”
