MANILA, March 22 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five blacklisted Chinese nationals at Zamboanga International Airport on Saturday.

The suspects, identified as Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Luo Honglin, 27, were caught in a joint operation by the BI Intelligence Division and the Fugitive Search Unit, according to a news release.

Two were wanted in China, while all five were linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator raided for illegal activities.

Authorities revealed the group attempted to flee the country through a backdoor route from Tawi-Tawi to Sabah, Malaysia, hiring a "transporter" to evade capture.

However, their boat's engine failed near Languyan Island, Taw...