Colorado man who had previously been found guilty of rape was barred at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

The BI-NAIA identified the American national as Charles Harry Cooper, 66, arrived Saturday, 8 October at NAIA Terminal 1 on board China Air flight from Taiwan when he stopped by BI officers.

Cooper claimed to be merely visiting the country for tourism purposes and would be staying in Pasay City.

According to the information received by the BI, in 2009, Cooper was convicted of molestation in the first degree as well as statutory first-degree rape and sodomy for those under the age of 14 in the US.

The BI officers on duty prevented his entry and required him to board the next available flight back to his country of origin.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that sex offenders have no place in the country.

Tansingco added that these predators are not welcome, and any sex offender who attempts to enter the country will be sent back to their port of origin, and their names will be included on the BI Blacklist.