SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – A joint enforcement operation between the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) resulted in the arrest of foreign nationals at the Grande Island here on March 19, 2025.
Led by NBI Director Judge Jaime Santiago, the operation resulted in the arrest of Chinese national Qiu Feng, whose real name is Ye Tianwu (also known as Qing Feng). Ye Tianwu was arrested for violations under Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Aside from Ye Tianwu, also apprehended were Xu Xining. Ye Xiaocan. Su Anlong. and He Peng, all Chinise nationals; a Cambodian named Ang Deck/Dick, and Filipinos Melvin Mañosa Aguillon, Jr. and Jeffrey Espiridion, who are employees of Ang Deck/Dick.
The authorities recovered multiple cellphones and laptops, one caliber .9 mm firearm, and 16 rounds of .9 mm ammunition.
Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded the efforts of the inter-agency group led by Director Santiago to apprehend suspects and assured that the Subic Bay Freeport is NOT a safe haven for lawbreakers.
According to DND, the arrest exposes the unlawful nature, including suspected espionage and kidnapping activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), for which some foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises.
Such activities, which may be part of larger criminal network operations, pose a serious threat to national security.
“This will ultimately help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport, in consonance with the ongoing development of the naval operating base of the Philippine Navy to strengthen and maintain our strategic presence along our western seaboard,” the DND stated.
The Department of National Defense (DND) cited that the DENR looks forward to working with the concerned agencies, including the SBMA, in exploring the possibility of declaring Grande Island, along with nearby Chiquita Island, as military reservations. (PCNO/RAV)
Photos:
1) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operative accompanies suspected foreign POGO operators after their arrest in Grande Island in Subic Bay on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy of MPD, SBMA)
2) The arrested foreign nationals after their arrest inside the POGO hub in Grande Island, Subic Bay, are being led to a vehicle that will bring them to NBI Office. (Photo Courtesy of MPD, SBMA)
