Chinese plane theft gang suspect Lyu Shuiming (Photo courtesy of BI)
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reported the interception of three Chinese men allegedly involved in a theft incident on a flight to Manila.
In a statement, BI officer-in-charge Joel Anthony Viado identified the suspects as Lyu Shuiming, 48; Xu Xianpu, 41; and Xie Xiaoyong, 54.
The three foreigners were reported to BI officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last Sept. 15, after being found to have stolen a handbag on a Philippine Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur.
The BI said they were reportedly caught in the act by a flight attendant after allegedly stealing a handbag from the overhead stowage bin and around PHP63,000 in cash owned by a female judge traveling with two lawyers.
The trio were reportedly transiting the Philippines from Malaysia to Hong Kong.
Officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) immediately arrested Lyu, who was found to have a valid visa to enter the Philippines while Xu and Xie were allowed to board an outbound flight.
The BI chief thanked the airline staff and the PNP AVSEGROUP for their promptness and assistance in the case.
“We will not allow these kinds of foreigners to victimize our kababayan. We will continue to monitor the progress of this case, and blacklist any other members that might be found,” he said.
All three have been recommended for inclusion in the blacklist of the BI. (PNA)
