Two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in a multi-billion peso illegal drug shipment in Occidental Mindoro have been arrested by government troops, according to the Philippine Army.

2ID Commander MGen Ramon Zagala, commander of the Philippine Army 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, confirmed that the two suspects who previously escaped were captured Wednesday afternoon and will be turned over to authorities.

“Ngayong hapon, nahuli na po natin yung dalawang Chinese individuals na nakatakas kahapon at nagdala ng iligal na droga dito sa Mindoro Occidental. Sa ngayon ay iti-turnover na po natin sila sa Philippine National Police for further investigation,” Zagala said.

The arrest comes a day after troops recovered around ₱6.8 billion worth of suspected shabu from an abandoned twin-engine speedboat that ran aground along the coastal waters of Barangay Harrison in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.

Soldiers and members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) from the 76th Infantry Battalion under the 203rd Infantry Brigade responded to a tip from a concerned resident and discovered 43 sacks containing a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.

Authorities also recovered equipment from the boat, including a Starlink communication device, batteries, hand flares, fire extinguishers, and life-saving gear, suggesting the vessel was used for large-scale drug transport.

The seized illegal drugs are believed to be part of a major smuggling operation, although the exact weight and chemical composition will still undergo laboratory examination.

Following the arrest of the two suspects, they are set to be turned over to the Philippine National Police for further investigation and the filing of appropriate charges under the country’s anti-drug laws.

Authorities are continuing operations to determine the possible drug network behind the shipment and whether other suspects were involved in the smuggling attempt.