The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Tong Jialong, aged 35, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on April 12, 2024, before he could board a flight to Shanghai, China on Air Asia.
It was found that since 2018, Chinese authorities have been searching for Tong due to charges of trafficking and recruiting women from the Philippines to work in China.
A warrant of arrest was issued by the Yongjia Public Security Bureau against Tong in December 2018 for charges of trafficking of persons and illegal border crossing.
It was discovered that between April and December 2018, Tong colluded with other suspects to illegally transport about 40 Filipinas to Vietnam, and later brought them to China by illegally crossing the border between Vietnam and China.
The women were forced into sex work, while some were made into domestic helpers.
"Tong's identity prompted a hit in the BI's Interpol derogatory system which showed that he is subject to a red notice for being a fugitive from justice in his country. He was, however, allowed to board his flight after the BI informed the Chinese police about his impending arrival in Shanghai," stated Immigration Chief Norman Tansingco.
Tong was immediately arrested by the awaiting Chinese authorities at the Shanghai airport. He is now in the custody of the Chinese police and detained while awaiting the hearing of his case.
(Photo from the Bureau of Immigration)
