BI Intercepts “Phantom Citizen” Linked to Double Murder at NAIA

BI Intercepts “Phantom Citizen” Linked to Double Murder at NAIA

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | November 9, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (BI) intelligence operatives apprehended a Chinese national at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 early Sunday morning, exposing another instance of fraudulent acquisition and use of a Filipino identity. The individual is allegedly connected to a double murder in Parañaque City in 2024.

The suspect, identified as Yao Shucheng, 36, born March 20, 1990, also used the alias Lee King Agbulos, with a declared birthdate of March 20, 1992.

This case underscores the persistent “phantom citizenship” scheme, where foreign nationals illicitly obtain Filipino identities through fraudulent civil registry documents. This allows them to acquire legitimate Philippine government identification and travel documents, bypassing immigration and national laws.

The BI confirmed that Yao possessed an authentic Philippine passport, obtained using a birth certificate fraudulently acquired under his fabricated Filipino identity. This arrest follows a series of similar cases involving foreign nationals using counterfeit Filipino identities.

Yao arrived in Manila at 6:40 AM on Sunday, November 8, 2026, via Philippine Airlines flight PR596 from Hanoi, Vietnam. BI records indicate he had been outside the Philippines for nearly 21 months, having departed Manila on February 21, 2025.

Beyond identity fraud and immigration violations, BI intelligence reports link Yao to a violent shooting in Parañaque City in 2024 that resulted in the murder of two Chinese nationals. This critical connection is being referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for immediate and comprehensive investigation.

BI intelligence operatives had meticulously monitored Yao’s international movements, pinpointing his scheduled arrival in Manila. Their findings led to a Mission Order for his capture, which was served at NAIA Terminal 1 shortly after he disembarked.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado emphasized the Bureau’s resolve: “Fraudulent Filipino identities are more than just false documents. They serve to bypass our immigration controls, conceal true identities, and evade accountability. We will relentlessly pursue those who exploit these schemes, especially when intelligence points to serious criminal activity.”

Yao is currently in BI custody for formal immigration inquest proceedings. The Bureau plans to pursue his deportation and permanent blacklisting, subject to any ongoing criminal investigations or charges filed by other law enforcement agencies.

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