Authorities arrested three Chinese nationals for attempting to leave the Philippines through an unauthorized route in Tawi-Tawi, officials confirmed Monday.

The first to be intercepted were a Chinese couple caught at Mapun Port, after reportedly arriving from Cambodia. Local police in Tawi-Tawi referred the case to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), noting possible links to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO).

“They were supposed to cross into Malaysia but were stopped on the small island of Mapun, which has long been used as an exit point for fugitives and individuals attempting to escape legal cases in the country,” said BI Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Sy.

A third individual, described as a Chinese businessman, was later apprehended while purchasing fish in the area. Immigration officials discovered that his visa and other travel documents had already expired, further strengthening the case against him.

“This backdoor in Tawi-Tawi is often exploited by people smugglers and fugitives, and it is not unlikely that contraband is also being moved through the area,” Sy added.

The BI assured that the arrested individuals will face appropriate charges, while security forces continue to tighten surveillance in known backdoor routes in Mindanao.