BI agents collar American ‘rapist’

Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested an American fugitive wanted in the United States for rape and sex crimes involving a minor during an operation in Quezon province.

The suspect, identified by the Bureau of Immigration only as “Jan,” was apprehended 28 January in Barangay Mayao. The arrest was a joint effort between the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit, the Lucena City Police, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

According to FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, the suspect is the subject of a 2024 arrest warrant issued by the Superior Court of Washington for King County. He faces charges of second-degree rape and third-degree rape of a child.

Authorities said the suspect’s US passport was revoked by the State Department, rendering him an undocumented alien.

Bureau records show he last entered the Philippines in 2023 but never secured a visa extension, making him an overstaying resident.

Immigration commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest is part of the bureau’s “#ShieldKids” campaign, an initiative aimed at protecting children from exploitation by foreign nationals.

“The President has made it clear — the Philippines will not be a hiding place for predators and fugitives,” Viado said. “Those who abuse our hospitality will be found, arrested, and deported.”

The suspect had already been placed on the bureau’s blacklist and watchlist as an undesirable alien.

He is currently held at the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.